Thermal dissolution of Shenfu coal in different solvents

► 1-MN has high thermal dissolution ability to sub-bituminous coal. ► The TDSY of Shenfu coal in 1-MN was 56% at 360 °C. ► Addition of methanol or NMP into 1-MN obviously increased TDSY. ► Addition of methanol into 1-MN may cause methylation of OH group in the coal. ► CMNO has higher thermal dissolution ability than 1-MN for Shenfu coal.