A method for the determination of halogens (F, Cl, Br, and I) in coal using pyrohydrolysis for sample digestion and ion chromatography is proposed. The pyrohydrolysis conditions and the types and concentrations of the absorption solutions are optimized. The limits of detection of the method are 0.045, 0.072, 0.15, and 0.25 mu g g (1) for F, Cl, Br, and I, respectively. With its simplicity, precision, accuracy, and economy, the proposed method can be widely used for the routine analysis of all four halogens in coal. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.