Karl Ludwig Reichenbach owned the metallurgical factories in Blansko in Moravia jointly with Count Hugo Franz zu Salm- Reifferscheidt of Vienna. His position secured him excellent opportunities for conducting large-scale experimental research. In the 1830s, Reichenbach was engaged in research on compounds isolated from beechwood tar produced in the charcoal ovens of the factories. In 1832, he accidentally discovered ´the first synthetic dye´ to be produced commercially: Pittacal. Reichenbach is also recognised as being the discoverer of a number of important hydrocarbon compounds of beechwood tar, such as kerosene, phenol, paraffin, picamar, eupion and creosote, also extracted from coal tar. In 1832 and 1833 Reichenbach published his fundamental investigations into the alkali-soluble components of beechwood tar. In 1839, after the King of Württemberg had made him a baron (Freiherr), he disposed of most of his industrial interests and retired to his castle at Reisenberg near Vienna to devote himself entirely to science. Reichenbach lost much of his wealth in unwise investments, and his last years were spent as a recluse in his castle.