Potassium amyl xanthate explained

Potassium amyl xanthate (/pəˈtæsiəm ˌæmɪl ˈzænθeɪt/) is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula CH₃(CH₂)₄OCS₂K. It is a pale yellow powder with a pungent odor that is soluble in water. It is widely used in the mining industry for the separation of ores using the flotation process.

Production and properties

As typical for xanthates, potassium amyl xanthate is prepared by reacting n-amyl alcohol with carbon disulfide and potassium hydroxide.

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

Potassium amyl xanthate is a pale yellow powder. Its solutions are relatively stable between pH 8 and 13 with a maximum of stability at pH 10.^[1]

Related compounds

• Sodium amyl xanthate is used in the separation of nickel and copper from their ores.

Safety

The is 90-148 mg/kg (oral, rat). ^[2]

It is a biodegradable compound.

Notes and References

1. J. Dyer, L. H. Phifer, Macromolecules 2 (1969) 111. R. J. Millican, C. K. Sauers, J. Org. Chem. 44 (1979) 1964.
2. Kathrin-Maria Roy "Xanthates" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 2005, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.