Mining Collector Xanthate (Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate) for Beneficiation

Xanthate, also known as yellow medicine. Xanthate has a wide range of uses. In the rubber industry, it is used as a vulcanization accelerator. In analytical chemistry, ethyl sodium xanthate is used as a precipitating agent and colorimetric for copper, nickel, etc. In the metallurgical industry, it is used as a reagent for precipitating copper, nickel, etc. in solutions. Cellulose-based sodium xanthate is used in artificial fibers, and starch-based xanthates are used in sewage treatment. Meanwhile, xanthate is currently the most widely used collecting agent in the world, especially indispensable in the beneficiation and flotation processes of heavy metal sulfide ores. Additionally, it is a commonly used extractant in the recovery of precious metals. Xanthate is a yellow powder-like solid at room temperature, and its color often darkens due to the presence of impurities. Toxic, flammable, hygroscopic, unstable in nature, readily soluble in water, acetone and the corresponding alcohols. The pure product has a slight odor, which is the smell of its slow decomposition products. Due to the presence of impurities, its decomposition is often accelerated, so it usually has an unpleasant smell. The decomposition of xanthate depends on the pH value of the solution. In acidic solutions, xanthan acid is a very unstable weak acid that decomposes extremely easily. The lower the pH value, the faster the decomposition.

The colletcting power of isopropyl sodium xanthate is slightly stronger than that of ethyl sodium xanthate.It is mainly used in the flotation of various non-ferrous metal sulfide ore.It is also applicable as  vulcanization accelerator in the rubber industry and precipitant in the hydrometallurgical industry.