Salts & Minerals
REACH
Potassium amyl xanthate
CAS Number
2720-73-2
EC Number
220-329-5
Abbreviation
PAX
Industries: Mining & Metals
What is Potassium amyl xanthate?
Potassium amyl xanthate (CAS 2720-73-2), abbreviated PAX, is a xanthate collector salt used in froth flotation of sulfide ores.
Where is Potassium amyl xanthate used?
- Copper, lead, zinc and nickel sulfide ores: collector in flotation
- Gold and silver processing: promotes flotation of sulfide-associated precious metals difficult to recover by cyanidation alone
- Complex polymetallic ores: selectivity profile suits them
- Concentrators processing coarser feed or lower-grade sulfide deposits often specify PAX over shorter-chain alternatives to achieve target concentrate grades.
Good to know: Its longer carbon chain provides stronger hydrophobicity than shorter-chain xanthates, improving recovery rates for finely disseminated minerals. Differential flotation circuits require precise collector choice.
Commercial specifications
- 90% to 95% active content (technical grade)
- Bulk supply in bags or drums, packaging scaled to site consumption volumes
Other Names (Synonyms)
potassium-O-pentyl dithiocarbonate|potassium pentylxanthogenate|potassium O-pentylcarbonodithioate|Amyl potassium xanthate|Potassium pentylxanthate|Aeroxanthate 350|Z 6 (Flotation agent)|Carbonodithioic acid, O-pentyl ester, potassium salt|PAX
What are the physical properties of Potassium amyl xanthate?
Boiling Point 497.18°C[at 101 325 Pa]
Density 1.24[at 20℃]
Color White to Orange to Green
Odor Strong unpleasant odor
Form powder to crystal
Water Solubility very faint turbidity
Vapor Pressure 0Pa at 25℃
Log P -0.76 at 25℃
How is Potassium amyl xanthate classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS05· Corrosive GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard GHS09· Environmental Hazard GHS06· Toxic
Hazard Statements
H228 Flammable solid
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
H312 Harmful in contact with skin
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Potassium amyl xanthate?
HS Code 2930.90.9250