Question

Place the butane lighter in the sink or tub and let it rest there until needed. why do we soak the lighter in the water bath?

Answer 1

Answer:

To regulate the gas pressure in the lighter tank and avoid build-up of pressure.  

Explanation:

• First, you need to understand the properties of this organic molecule. Butane. C₄H₁₀ is a colorless, odorless, but HIGHLY FLAMMABLE liquefied gas. The liquid is flammable at 25⁰C whilst the vapor is flammable at 15⁰C. As you can see, this is an extremely flammable gas. It has a high vapor pressure (tendency by liquids to escape as gas molecules)  
• Any external heat source induces a pressure build up that might cause the gas to explode when there is an open flame.
• Combining the two points above, a thermo-regulated water bath that has a lower temperature (below 15⁰C) will be need to prevent the pressure build up and ensure that any leakage will not have a high vapor pressure.