To fully characterize a coal conversion stream, it is necessary to identify both the composition of the stream and chemical processes responsible for the production of the stream components. During the past year, studies have focused on the release of alkali-containing species, the release of sulfur-containing radicals, and the production of ionic species in a combustion stream. Transpiration mass spectrometry was used to study the thermal decomposition of alkali benzoates. The vaporized species at temperatures greater than 800/sup 0/C were atomic alkali and CO. This is consistent with earlier DTA-TGA studies. Efforts to develop sources of sulfur-containing radicals continued. The SF/sub 2/ radical was identified for the first time as a product of the H/sub 2/S F/sub 2/ reaction. Under certain conditions, the H/sub 2/S F/sub 2/ reaction entered an oscillatory region. Finally, the study of ion-molecule reactions in a combustion flame was initiated. The ion-cyclotron resonance spectrometer was characterized by studying the methane system. 26 figures.