Using an impregnation pitch from bituminous coal tar (OP) supplied by Industrias Quimicas del Nalon Company as raw material, two phases (isotropic and anisotropic) have been obtained. The latter was used as precursor for the preparation of activated carbons. First, a chemical activation process was carried out with ZnCl2 as activating agent. The process was conducted at different concentrations and temperatures and by means of impregnation with solid zinc chloride. Optimal values were obtained for samples prepared by using a ZnCl2:pitch ratio equal to 3:1 (sample AZn3). Next, this sample was thermally treated at two different temperatures, i.e., 700 and 800 degrees C. A lose of specific surface area, microporosity and mesoporosity was observed with respect to sample AZn3, such a lose being more remarkable as temperature increased. Moreover, impregnation of the anisotropic phase of the original pitch with an aqueous solution of ZnCl2 followed by thermal treatment resulted in a poorly developed surface area and porous texture, probably due to the presence of Zn complexes, which interfere with the activation process. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.