# Environmental Sustainability of Lighter Fluids†

## TL;DR

This study compares fossil-based and biomass-based lighter fluids to find renewable alternatives with better environmental sustainability.

## Contribution

The study identifies γ-valerolactone as a promising renewable alternative to fossil-based lighter fluids.

## Key findings

- γ-Valerolactone scored highest in a multicriteria evaluation for replacing fossil-based lighter fluids.
- Biomass-based chemicals like γ-valerolactone and ethyl-levulinate showed favorable physicochemical and toxicological properties.
- Further practical testing is needed to confirm γ-valerolactone's viability for commercial use.

## Abstract

Lighter fluids are consumer products used only at a low-volume
scale, representing a realizable goal of fossil fuel replacement by
renewables. Physicochemical properties of four fossil-based conventional
lighter fluids (Ronsonol, Zippo, Landmann, and Terracotta) and six
selected biomass-based chemicals (γ-valerolactone, ethyl-levulinate,
ethanol, n-butanol, γ-valerolactone 90% v/v and ethanol 10%
v/v, and ethyl-levulinate 90% v/v and ethanol 10% v/v mixtures) as
potential biomass-based lighter fluids were assessed. Assessments
were carried out in terms of safety, toxicological, and environmental
viewpoints, represented by a flash point, boiling point, vapor pressure
values, and evaporation rates; oral toxicity measured on rats; and
real ethanol equivalent values, respectively. Parameters were collected
where available; in the absence of literature data, they were calculated
or measured and then analyzed. Finally, multicriteria analysis based
on the flash point, boiling point, vapor pressure, toxicity, and ethanol
equivalent values revealed γ-valerolactone as a renewable substance,
which can be a promising alternative to replace fossil-based lighter
fluids because it was awarded as the first in the multicriteria evaluation
by obtaining the highest value of the overall scores. In practical
usage, however, ignition, combustion experiments, flue gas, and emission
analysis are also required to underline its commercial use in the
future.