Abstract: A solid alcohol fuel for starting charcoal or wood fires which burns without melting or flowing, comprising an anhydrous gel consisting essentially of a major proportion of an alcohol mixture of methanol and isopropanol in the weight ratio of about 3:1, and a fatty acid soap gelling agent. The alcohol content preferably constitutes at least about 85% by weight of the total composition. The fatty acid soap gelling agent is made in situ by reacting anhydrous sodium hydroxide dissolved in anhydrous methanol with a fatty acid dissolved in an anhydrous mixture of methanol and isopropanol.

Abstract: A gelled alcohol charcoal lighter that burns with an audible crackling noise to give a distinct indication that the fuel is burning although flames may be colorless and not apparent to the eye. The gelled composition contains a major proportion of at least one lower alcohol, a gelling agent and a minor proportion of rigid, organic capsules containing a volatile solvent which emit a popping sound as each capsule ruptures from the heat of the flame.

Abstract: There is disclosed a composition comprising approximately by weight (a) 0.01 to 0.1% of a copolymer of (1) an ethylenically unsaturated polymeric anhydride or partial ester and (2) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; (b) up to 10% of at least one lower alkylene glycol lower alkyl monoether, (c) up to 25% of an aliphatic alcohol; (d) 0.1 to 2% of an ethoxylated C.sub.10.sub.-18 alkali metal sulfate and the balance water. Components (b) and (c) may both be present, or a greater amount of one to compensate for the absence of the other.