Potassium amyl xanthate

Potassium amyl xanthate (CAS 2720-73-2), commonly abbreviated as PAX, is a xanthate collector salt used in the froth flotation of sulfide ores. It selectively binds to mineral surfaces, enabling the separation and concentration of target metals from gangue material. PAX is primarily used as a collector in the flotation of copper, lead, zinc, and nickel sulfide ores. Its longer carbon chain provides stronger hydrophobicity than shorter-chain xanthates, improving recovery rates for finely disseminated minerals.

In gold and silver processing, it promotes flotation of sulfide-associated precious metals that are difficult to recover by conventional cyanidation alone. Its selectivity profile makes it suitable for complex polymetallic ores. Differential flotation circuits require precise collector choice to ensure efficiency. Concentrators processing coarser feed or lower-grade sulfide deposits often specify PAX over shorter-chain alternatives to achieve target concentrate grades.

Potassium amyl xanthate is supplied as a yellow to pale-yellow powder or granules. Technical grade is the standard commercial specification, with purity levels typically ranging from 90% to 95% active content. Bulk supply in bags or drums is standard for mining operations, with packaging options scaled to site consumption volumes. This ensures consistent performance across large-scale mineral processing and extraction facilities.