Potassium amyl xanthate (PAX)

Description

Potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) with the chemical formula C₆H₁₁KOS₂ looks like a yellow-to-green powder. This chemical is produced by the reaction of amyl alcohol, carbon disulfide, and potassium hydroxide. After manufacturing this substance is used as the floating agent in mineral processing. It can float specific minerals in the water so we can easily absorb them. You should pay attention to safety tips while working with this substance because it can irritate. Remember to keep it away from moisture and extra heat. In this article, we will explain more about potassium amyl xanthate uses and MSDS.

Where to buy PAX?

If you would like to know any further information about Potassium amyl xanthate price, our team at Shanghai Chemex will be glad to help you with that.

Chemical and physical properties

This chemical appears as yellow to green powder. Some of the most important properties of this chemical are listed below:

Chemical formula	C6H11KOS2
CAS number	2720-73-2
Molecular weight	202.4g/mol
Melting point	225-280 °C
Decomposition temperature	>267.8
Solubility in water	35g/100g

If you heat this chemical over 267.8 centigrade degrees, it will emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon disulfide gases.

Production method

industries can manufacture this chemical as a result of treating amyl alcohol (C5H11OH) carbon disulfide (CS₂) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). These raw materials react with each other with the reaction below and produce Potassium amyl xanthate:

CH₃(CH₂)₄OH + CS₂ + KOH → CH₃(CH₂)₄OCS₂K + H₂O

Potassium amyl xanthate uses

This chemical substance is used as a flotation agent in mineral processing. This substance can collect target minerals. After collection, it makes a hydrophobic film on the surface of minerals. During this process, the air goes to the pulp which contains mineral particles. These bubbles attach to the surface and float.

Potassium amyl xanthate MSDS

After buying this substance store it in a cool and dry area. Remember to keep it away from moisture and heat. If this chemical is heated to the decomposition temperature it will emit some gases that may irritate.

Besides, if this chemical substance is exposed to incompatible materials some undesired reactions may take place. So it is better to keep PAX away from strong oxidizing agents and acidic compounds.

You should wear appropriate clothes and gloves while working with this substance because it shouldn’t be in contact with your eyes and skin. Remember not to inhale the dust of this substance because it may irritate your respiratory tract. If you want to store it, it should store at 32.2 to 10 centigrade degrees.

Conclusion

PAX is the name of a floating agent that is used in separating some specific minerals from the water. PAX looks like a yellow or green powder and we can manufacture it by treating amyl alcohol (C₅H₁₁OH) carbon disulfide (CS₂) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). Remember to store this chemical substance in a cool and dry place to keep it away from moisture and heat. The best temperature for storing this chemical is 32.2 to 10 centigrade degrees. If you heat it over 267.8 centigrade it will emit carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.