Potassium amyl xanthate

CAS: 2720-73-2

Overview

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.

Physical Properties

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℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS02 GHS05 GHS07 GHS08 GHS09 GHS06 Hazard Statements H228 Flammable solid H302 Harmful if swallowed H311 Toxic in contact with skin H312 Harmful in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H315 Causes skin irritation H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H373 May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects 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. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P391 Collect spillage. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P361+P364 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code

2930.90.9250

Other Names

Industries

Mining & Metals