A solid high in content of the element carbon and structurally in the non-graphitic
state. It is produced by pyrolysis of organic material which has passed, at least in part, through a liquid or liquid-crystalline
state during the carbonization process. Coke can contain mineral matter.
Note:
As some parts, at least, of the carbonization product have passed through a liquid or liquid-crystalline state, the resulting non-graphitic carbon is of the graphitizable variety. From a structural viewpoint, the term coke characterizes
the state of graphitizable carbon before the beginning of graphitization.
Source:
PAC, 1995, 67, 473
(Recommended terminology for the description of carbon as a solid (IUPAC Recommendations
1995))
on page 485