Re: Why does isopropyl alcohol burn on paper and not the paper?

Date: Tue Jan 30 10:17:05 2001
Posted By: Kieran Kelly, Consultant, The Boston Consulting Group
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 980215593.Ch

Message:

The isopropyl alcohol burns at a lower temperature than the paper. The flash point of isopropyl alcohol is 54 degrees F (12C), which means the alcohol is very flammable (so be CAREFUL). The kindling temperature of paper, on the other hand, is around 454 degrees F (234C). So, the alcohol is going to burn first and maybe the paper would if it got hot enough.

Hope this explanation helps.

Kieran

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