Potassium amyl xanthate


Potassium amyl xanthate is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula CH34OCS2K. It is a pale yellow powder or pellet with a pungent odor, soluble in water. It is widely used in the mining industry for the separation of ores using the flotation process.

Production and properties

Potassium amyl xanthate is prepared by reacting amyl alcohol with carbon disulfide and potassium hydroxide.
Potassium amyl xanthate is a pale yellow powder that is relatively stable between pH 8 and 13 with a maximum of stability at pH 10.

Safety

The is 480 mg/kg for potassium pentylxanthate.
It is a biodegradable compound.