POTASSIUM AMYL XANTHATE
Potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) is a pale yellow, water-soluble, flammable powder with a
strong odor that is used in the mining industry to separate ores:
Chemical formula: CH3(CH2)4OCS2K
Elements: Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and potassium
Uses: Flotation treatment of sulfide minerals, zinc ores, Cu/Ni sulfide ore, and
gold
associated with pyrite
Properties: A strong but weak selective collector that is commonly used in the
rougher
and
scavenger flotation process
Safety: Can create combustible dust clouds, and can spontaneously combust when
exposed
to
moisture or heat. When handling PAX, you should:
Wear a full face shield and chemical safety goggles
Wear gloves and protective clothing made from neoprene, PVC, polyethylene, rubber, or
plastic
Wear a NIOSH/MSHA-approved air-purifying respirator
Avoid accumulation and dispersion of dust
Wear fire retardant clothing and footwear that dissipates static electrical charges
Appearance: Yellow or grey white
Specification Sheet
| Quality Control |
| Effective Date: |
1st Aprli 2021 |
Review Date : |
1st April 2024 |
| Sr. Particulars |
| 1 |
IUPAC Name |
Potassium Amyl Xanthate |
| 2 |
Abbreviation |
PAX |
| 3 |
Chemical Formula |
C5H11OCSSK |
| 4 |
Molecular Weight |
202.40(g/mol) |
| 5 |
CAS |
2720-73-2 |
| 6 |
EC No |
220-329-5 |
| Sr. |
Test |
Specification |
Method |
| 1 |
Physical Form |
Pellet |
Visual |
| 2 |
Appearance |
Yellow to Greenish Yellow |
Visual |
| 3 |
Purity |
Min 90% |
Iodimetric Tritration |
Application and Use :
- Xanthates are used in the flotation process as collectors in the separation of
refractory gold ores – as well as sulfidic metal ores
- one of the most powerful flotation collector widely used in mineral processing.
- Corrosive to skin in aqueous solution (based on the pH, which is > 11.5 at maximum
concentration of 25 % water solution).
- Potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) and sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX) are traditional
thiol collectors used in the bulk and selective froth flotation of nickel and copper
sulfide mineral ores.
- a pale yellow powder with a pungent odor that is soluble in water.
- crucial for flight planning, catering requirements, and overall operational
efficiency.
