2006-09-01 20:37:33 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
No. the fule they use in lighters is mostly butane which is a gas in normal temprature. they fill the lighter under peressure which turns it to liquid. when you ignite the lighter, the peressure is lifted and butane will turn to a gas again. alcohol however is a liquid in room temprature so you can't use it.
2006-09-01 23:42:01 · answer #1 · answered by CH4 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, if it was relatively pure, but there's a couple of problems, both relating to water. First, alcohol in the atmosphere will absorb water, making it first difficult then impossible to ignite. Second, alcohol produces water as a by-product of combustion. Not a problem if you're trying to heat somthing, but it usually has an inhibitory effect if you're trying to ignite somthing.
2006-09-01 22:21:46 · answer #2 · answered by Like An Ibis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Old Zippo lighters (WWII?) could burn many fuels including rubbing alcohol and 151 proof rum but used mostly naptha.
2006-09-02 01:00:07 · answer #3 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alcohol has high vapor pressure,it evaporates fast so it's not a good idea to use it as lighter's fuel.
2006-09-02 02:13:43 · answer #4 · answered by kaye s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think the flashpoint of alcohol is low enough to be ignited with a spark. You could try,but if it doesn't work, you would need to replace the felt
2006-09-01 20:46:30 · answer #5 · answered by iracrsttrucker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no because it is highly inflamable and can melt the lighter on being ignited
2006-09-02 02:51:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you use it? Yes!
Will it work? No!
2006-09-01 20:56:42 · answer #7 · answered by ♥Jennifer♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes we can if it has some kind of gass
2006-09-02 06:27:31 · answer #8 · answered by james m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not a good idea
2006-09-01 20:44:46 · answer #9 · answered by Bullz_ eye 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only if it is a strong enough proof.
2006-09-01 20:42:39 · answer #10 · answered by BHeis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋