Lignite samples obtained Ermenek and Uzunkopru coal plants in Turkey have been pyrolysed under specific conditions and the temperature effect on the final product distribution was elucidated by the use of GC and TGA. The temperature has been found to have a remarkable effect on the product distribution and evolution rate. The pyrolysis was carried out with the use of a fixed bed reactor equipped with a special sampling system to collect the organic volatile products to be analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GC). The maximum product formation rate was found to be about 440 degrees C for both of the samples. The formation rate of n-paraffins was higher than that of 1-olefines at each temperature employed. The hydrocarbons obtained by pyrolysis of lignite from Ermenek and Uzunkbpru coal plants were observed to contain 43 wt% and 40 wt% n-paraffins at the maximum formation rate, respectively. The 1-olefins determined at the maximum product formation rate were found to be 15 wt% for both lignite samples. Additionally, the effect of temperature on pyrolysis product distribution of Turkish lignites has been compared with those hydropyrolysed at different pressures and temperatures. The formation curves of hydropyrolysis differed from those obtained under inert pyrolysis conditions. Hydrogen was found to have an appreciable effect on pyrolytic decomposition especially at high temperatures and pressures. There were higher tar formation and less gas yield at higher hydrogen pressures. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.