The Chemistry of Matches and Lighters

Safety matches ignite when red phosphorus on the striking strip converts to white phosphorus, sparking combustion.
Match heads contain oxidizers like potassium chlorate, plus sulfur and fillers to fuel the flame.
Friction heat from striking starts the chain reaction that lights the match.
Lighter fuel is usually butane, a hydrocarbon stored as liquid under pressure.
Clicking a lighter creates a spark with a piezoelectric crystal or flint wheel, igniting the butane gas.
Butane burns cleanly, producing carbon dioxide, water, heat, and light.
Wooden matchsticks are coated with paraffin wax to catch fire quickly.
Safety coatings prevent matches from igniting accidentally from minor friction.
Colored flames can be made by adding metal salts to match or lighter fuel formulations.
Both tools rely on controlled release of stored chemical energy, turned into fire on demand.