Potassium Amyl Xanthate

Synonym: Amylxanthic Acid Potassium Salt; PAX

CAS No. 2720-73-2

Molecular Weight: 202.37

Molecular Formula: C6H11OS2?.?K

Color: Pale yellow to orange.

Form: Pellets, granules or powder.

Odor: Strong, unpleasant sulfurous odor, characteristic of xanthates.

Solubility: Highly soluble in water and polar solvents, forming a colloidal solution.

Stability: Decomposes under acidic conditions, heat, or prolonged exposure to moisture, releasing carbon disulfide (CS?) and other byproducts.

Reactivity: Acts as a strong reducing agent; reacts with metal ions to form hydrophobic metal-xanthate complexes.

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Key Features

Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX) is a very effective collector in froth flotation due to its affinity for sulfide minerals (e.g., Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni sulfides). The amyl (C5) chain in the moecule balances collecting power and selectivity, making it more selective than shorter-chain xanthates (e.g., Potassium Ethyl Xanthate) but less aggressive than longer-chain variants.?

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Applications

Mineral Processing

Primary use as a flotation collector for sulfide ores in base metal mining (copper, lead, zinc).

Enhances the hydrophobicity of target minerals, enabling separation from gangue materials.

Chemical Industry

Intermediate in organic synthesis (e.g., vulcanization accelerators in rubber production).

As water treatment chemicals for heavy metal precipitation.

Specification

Purity: ≥ 90%

Free Alkali: ≤?0.2%

Volatile Matter: ≤ 4.0%

Appearance : Light yellow to gray powder or granules

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Packaging

In 120 Kgs steel drums;?In 850 Kgs wooden box.

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Storage

In cool and dry place without sunlight. Keep it away from heating source and moisture.

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Shelf Life

12 months in original sealed packaging.