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2930902000
PEX
White to pale yellow crystals or crystalline powders
140-89-6
C3H5KOS2
160
205-439-3
Soluble in water
Product Description
Potassium Ethyl Xanthate, commonly abbreviated as PEX or KEX, is a water-soluble organosulfur compound primarily used as a collector in the froth flotation of selected sulfide minerals.
Its short ethyl group gives it lower collecting strength but potentially better selectivity than longer-chain xanthates. PEX is therefore particularly useful when concentrate grade and separation selectivity are more important than maximum collecting power.
Potassium Ethyl Xanthate does not guarantee recovery for every ore. Its performance depends on mineralogy, oxidation state, particle size, pH, activation, reagent sequence, conditioning and the other reagents used in the circuit.
AOZUN supplies industrial-grade PEX in powder or pellet form for mineral-processing applications and international distribution.
Property | Information |
|---|---|
Product name | Potassium Ethyl Xanthate |
Abbreviations | PEX, KEX |
CAS number | 140-89-6 |
EC number | 205-439-3 |
Molecular formula | C3H5KOS2 |
Linear formula | C2H5OCS2K |
Molecular weight | 160.30 g/mol |
Chemical class | Alkali-metal xanthate |
Appearance | Pale-yellow to yellow powder, crystals or pellets |
Water solubility | Soluble |
Main function | Selective sulfide-mineral flotation collector |
Typical commercial grade | ≥90% active xanthate |
Common transport reference | UN 3342, Xanthates |
Main handling risks | Flammable solid, irritating dust and possible carbon disulfide generation during decomposition |
The approved AOZUN specification, current SDS and batch COA govern commercial acceptance and handling.
The following specifications represent AOZUN’s standard industrial-grade supply profile. Confirm the applicable specification in the quotation and batch COA.
Test item | Standard specification |
Appearance | Pale-yellow powder or pellets |
Active ingredient | ≥90.0% |
Moisture and volatile matter | ≤4.0% |
Free alkali, calculated as KOH | ≤0.2% |
Insoluble matter | ≤0.5% |
CAS number | 140-89-6 |
Form | Powder or pellet |
Packaging | Confirm according to order and shipping route |
Laboratory or synthesis grades may use a different assay method and should not be compared directly with mining-grade active-content specifications.
The active-content result indicates how much usable xanthate is present in the product.
Variation in active content can change:
Effective collector dosage
Conditioning response
Flotation kinetics
Recovery
Concentrate grade
Reagent cost per tonne of ore
When comparing suppliers, use the same test method and calculation basis.
Excess moisture can accelerate product degradation and reduce storage stability. It can also cause caking, poor flow and inconsistent dosing.
Moisture-sensitive storage is especially important in humid mining regions and partially used packaging.
Free alkali is commonly calculated as KOH. It may influence product alkalinity, solution preparation and flotation-circuit chemistry.
A high free-alkali value can also indicate manufacturing inconsistency or affect reagent-balance calculations.
Insoluble material may accumulate in:
Solution tanks
Screens
Pumps
Dosing lines
Valves
Spray systems
Controlling insoluble matter helps reduce blockage and improve dosing consistency.
Powder can dissolve rapidly but may create more dust during handling. Pellets generally provide better flow and lower dust generation but may require adequate agitation and conditioning time.
The preferred form depends on the mine’s solution system, occupational controls and feeding equipment.
PEX contains a polar xanthate group and a short non-polar ethyl group.
The polar portion interacts with suitable mineral-surface metal sites, while the ethyl portion helps make the treated surface more hydrophobic. Hydrophobic particles can attach to air bubbles and rise into the froth phase.
The simplified process is:
Ore is ground to liberate valuable minerals.
The mineral slurry is conditioned at the required pH.
Activators, depressants or other modifiers may be added.
PEX is introduced as the collector.
PEX interacts with suitable sulfide-mineral surfaces.
Hydrophobic particles attach to air bubbles.
The mineral-rich froth is collected as concentrate.
Hydrophilic gangue remains mainly in the tailings.
Actual surface chemistry can involve chemisorption, metal-xanthate species and oxidation products such as dixanthogen. The dominant mechanism varies with the mineral and electrochemical conditions.
PEX is one of the shorter-chain commercial xanthates. It is generally considered relatively weak but selective.
As the hydrocarbon chain becomes longer, xanthate collecting power usually increases, while selectivity may decrease.
Xanthate | Alkyl chain | Relative collecting tendency | General positioning |
Ethyl xanthate, including PEX | C2 | Relatively weak | Higher selectivity for readily floatable or activated sulfides |
Isopropyl xanthate | C3 | Moderate | Balance of recovery and selectivity |
Isobutyl xanthate | C4 | Moderately strong | Broader sulfide collection |
Amyl xanthate, including PAX | C5 | Strong | Higher collecting power but generally lower selectivity |
This comparison is a screening guide, not a guaranteed ranking for every ore.
Ore mineralogy, oxidation, liberation and water chemistry may be more important than alkyl-chain length alone.
PEX is commonly evaluated for galena flotation because galena can be relatively easy to float under appropriate conditions.
Its selectivity may help improve lead-concentrate grade where excessive collection of unwanted sulfides is a concern.
Performance still depends on:
Galena surface oxidation
Liberation size
Zinc and iron sulfides
Depressants
pH
Water chemistry
Conditioning time
Sphalerite often requires activation before it responds effectively to xanthate collectors. Copper sulfate is commonly used as an activator in many zinc circuits.
PEX may be selected when controlled collection and separation from other sulfides are required.
Activation conditions must be established through laboratory testing. Excess activator can reduce selectivity by activating unwanted minerals.
PEX can collect selected copper sulfides, but its relatively low collecting strength may result in slower flotation kinetics than longer-chain xanthates.
It may be considered when:
Copper sulfides are readily floatable
Selectivity against pyrite is important
Head grade is relatively low
The circuit provides sufficient conditioning and residence time
PEX is combined with another collector
It may not be the preferred single collector for highly oxidized, tarnished or difficult copper ores.
PEX may be evaluated for activated or readily floatable nickel sulfide minerals such as pentlandite.
Nickel circuits commonly contain pyrrhotite, pyrite and magnesium-bearing gangue, so collector selection must consider both recovery and concentrate quality.
PEX may assist recovery when gold or silver is associated with floatable sulfide minerals.
PEX does not dissolve gold and is not a direct replacement for cyanide leaching. Its role is to help recover sulfide particles that may carry precious metals into a flotation concentrate.
Mineralogical testing should determine whether the valuable metal is:
Free
Locked in sulfides
Associated with pyrite
Associated with arsenopyrite
Present in oxidized material
Too finely disseminated for effective recovery
PEX is not normally a strong direct collector for oxide minerals.
Some oxidized or tarnished mineral surfaces may respond after sulfidization or surface cleaning. However, reagent order and dosage become especially important, and over-sulfidization may depress flotation.
Use on oxide or mixed ores should be based on mineralogical analysis and staged flotation testing.
The names “copper ore,” “lead ore” or “zinc ore” are not sufficiently specific for reagent selection.
Important mineralogical information includes:
Valuable mineral species
Pyrite and pyrrhotite content
Degree of oxidation
Liberation size
Association with gangue
Clay and talc content
Presence of secondary copper minerals
Distribution of gold and silver
Coarse particles may detach from bubbles, while extremely fine particles may consume reagent, form slimes or reduce selectivity.
Collector selection should be evaluated together with grinding and classification performance.
pH affects mineral-surface chemistry, xanthate adsorption, pyrite depression and collector stability.
Higher pH may help depress pyrite in selected copper and zinc circuits, but excessive alkalinity can also reduce the flotation of target minerals.
Low-pH conditions can accelerate xanthate decomposition. The correct pH must be established for the specific ore and reagent system.
Too little PEX can cause slow kinetics and lower recovery. Excess collector may:
Float unwanted sulfides
Reduce concentrate grade
Increase reagent cost
Increase residual xanthate in process water
Mask the effect of other reagents
Supplier dosage ranges are only starting points. Laboratory tests and controlled plant trials are required.
PEX needs sufficient contact with the target mineral surface. Inadequate conditioning can reduce recovery, while excessive conditioning may contribute to collector loss or undesirable interactions.
Activators can make selected minerals more responsive to PEX. Depressants help prevent unwanted minerals from floating.
The addition sequence is critical. The same chemicals added in a different order can produce a different flotation result.
PEX is a collector, not a frother. A separate frother is normally used to create a manageable bubble and froth structure.
Frother type and dosage influence:
Bubble size
Froth mobility
Entrainment
Concentrate drainage
Fine-particle recovery
Froth stability
Dissolved ions, residual reagents, hardness, salinity and recycled-water contaminants can alter collector performance.
Bench testing should use representative plant water rather than distilled water whenever possible.
Potassium Ethyl Xanthate is normally delivered as a dry solid and prepared as a water solution for controlled dosing.
Preparation must follow the site procedure and current SDS.
Good practice includes:
Use clean, compatible equipment
Prevent contact with acids
Control dust during charging
Avoid excessive temperature
Prepare only the required quantity
Keep solution tanks covered and ventilated
Monitor solution age
Prevent contamination with oxidants
Clearly label tanks and lines
Avoid accumulation of residues and decomposition products
Xanthate solutions lose active strength over time. Decomposition generally becomes faster with higher temperature, lower pH and extended storage.
Concentrated solutions may not necessarily provide better stability. Solution strength, temperature and residence time should be validated at the site.
Freshly prepared solution and consistent preparation procedures improve flotation repeatability.
Xanthates can decompose through hydrolysis, oxidation and other reactions.
Possible decomposition products include:
Carbon disulfide
Alcohol
Carbonate
Trithiocarbonate species
Dixanthogen and related oxidation products
Acid contact is particularly dangerous because it can accelerate decomposition and release toxic, highly flammable carbon disulfide vapor.
The rate of decomposition depends on:
pH
Temperature
Concentration
Oxygen exposure
Light
Metal contamination
Solution age
Water quality
There is no single universal shelf life for a prepared PEX solution.
PEX has a shorter ethyl chain and is generally more selective but less powerful.
PAX has a longer amyl chain and normally provides stronger collection but may recover more unwanted sulfide minerals.
Sodium isopropyl xanthate generally provides stronger collection than ethyl xanthate while retaining moderate selectivity.
SIPX may be considered when PEX kinetics are too slow but PAX is insufficiently selective.
SIBX is typically stronger and is widely used in copper and polymetallic sulfide flotation. PEX may offer an advantage where cleaner separation is more important than aggressive recovery.
Specialty collectors may provide faster kinetics or better selectivity for particular copper, gold, nickel or polymetallic ores.
PEX may be used:
As the main collector
As a secondary collector
In a mixed-collector system
In cleaner or selective stages
As a comparison reagent during testing
The best collector cannot be selected from product literature alone.
A useful laboratory program should compare:
Recovery
Concentrate grade
Selectivity index
Flotation kinetics
Mass pull
Water recovery
Froth characteristics
Collector consumption
Performance at different pH values
Interaction with activators and depressants
Tests should include untreated ore and relevant collector alternatives.
A plant trial should record:
Feed mineralogy and head grade
Grinding performance
Reagent dosage
Addition point
Conditioning time
pH
Frother dosage
Mass pull
Concentrate and tailings assays
Recovery by shift
Froth appearance
Process-water condition
One short trial may not distinguish reagent performance from normal plant variability.
Active content is commonly determined by titration. Buyers should confirm the analytical method and reporting basis.
This test helps evaluate storage condition, degradation risk and the amount of usable dry product.
Free alkali is typically expressed as KOH and supports manufacturing and batch-consistency control.
Insoluble matter should be monitored when the product will be prepared in automated solution and dosing systems.
Color, odor, caking, broken packaging and flowability provide useful incoming-inspection information but do not replace chemical testing.
AOZUN can review the buyer’s target mineral, ore type, current collector, required form and packaging before confirming the supply option.
Available documents may include:
Batch certificate of analysis
Safety data sheet
Technical data sheet
Packaging information
Transport documentation
Country-of-origin information
Regulatory statements where available
Powder or pellet form may be selected according to dissolution equipment, dust controls and dosing requirements.
Availability should be confirmed when requesting a quotation.
Packaging options may include bags, drums or bulk packages, subject to quantity, product classification and shipping route.
The approved packaging, net weight and dangerous-goods marks must be confirmed in the sales contract.
AOZUN can coordinate export documentation and shipping information with the buyer and logistics provider.
The importer remains responsible for confirming local registration, dangerous-goods storage and end-use compliance unless otherwise agreed.
Store PEX in a cool, dry and well-ventilated warehouse.
Recommended controls include:
Keep containers tightly closed
Protect from moisture and rain
Protect from direct sunlight
Keep away from heat and ignition sources
Separate from acids
Separate from strong oxidizing agents
Prevent packaging damage
Control dust and static discharge
Use suitable secondary containment
Restrict access to trained personnel
Do not store PEX solutions for longer than the validated site holding time.
Shelf life depends on product form, packaging, temperature, humidity and storage history. Refer to the applicable AOZUN commercial documents.
Potassium Ethyl Xanthate may be classified as a flammable solid. It can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled and may irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
Decomposition can generate carbon disulfide, which is toxic and highly flammable.
Controls may include:
Enclosed charging and transfer
Effective ventilation
Dust collection
Grounded equipment
Chemical-resistant gloves
Protective clothing
Eye and face protection
Suitable respiratory protection where required
Emergency washing facilities
Fire and spill procedures based on the SDS
Never mix PEX with acids.
Prevent discharge into drains, soil and natural water. Residual xanthate and flotation-process water should be monitored and treated according to the site’s environmental permits.
Bulk commercial xanthates are frequently shipped under:
UN number: UN 3342
Proper shipping name: Xanthates
Hazard class: 4.2
Packing group and transport classification can vary with composition, form, packaging and jurisdiction. Some laboratory-product SDS documents may show a different transport status.
Always use the current AOZUN SDS and shipping documents for the actual product—not a generic online classification.
Buyers should confirm:
Import registration
Dangerous-goods permits
Approved storage conditions
Port restrictions
Packaging approval
Marine-shipping requirements
Workplace exposure controls
Environmental discharge requirements
For a faster quotation, provide:
Product: Potassium Ethyl Xanthate
CAS number: 140-89-6
Required active content
Powder or pellet form
Required quantity
Packaging preference
Destination port
Target mineral
Current collector
Required documents
Delivery schedule
Sample or trial requirement
If available, include basic mineralogical and flotation information so the supply team can better understand the intended application.
The CAS number is 140-89-6.
Both abbreviations are commonly used for Potassium Ethyl Xanthate.
It is primarily used as a selective collector in the froth flotation of suitable sulfide minerals.
Compared with longer-chain xanthates, PEX is relatively weak but more selective. It is most useful for readily floatable or properly activated sulfide minerals.
Yes, in selected copper-sulfide circuits. Its slower kinetics and lower collecting strength must be considered, especially with oxidized or difficult ores.
Sphalerite commonly requires activation before effective xanthate collection. The activator and collector program must be tested.
PEX may help recover gold associated with floatable sulfides. It does not dissolve gold and is not a replacement for gold-leaching reagents.
Not usually as a direct collector. Some oxide or tarnished minerals may respond after sulfidization or surface treatment, but laboratory testing is essential.
Published supplier ranges are often approximately 10–100 grams per tonne, but this is not a universal recommendation. The correct dosage must be established from ore-specific flotation tests.
Xanthate solutions gradually lose active strength. Decomposition becomes faster under unsuitable pH, temperature and storage conditions.
No. Acid contact may accelerate decomposition and release toxic, highly flammable carbon disulfide.
Powder may dissolve faster but generate more dust. Pellets usually offer better flow and lower dust. The choice depends on the solution system and occupational controls.
Available documents may include a batch COA, SDS, TDS, packaging data and transport documentation. Confirm the required documents before ordering.
AOZUN supplies Potassium Ethyl Xanthate CAS 140-89-6 for sulfide-mineral flotation and international distribution.
Send us your required active content, product form, quantity, packaging, destination and target mineral. AOZUN will review product availability, documentation and shipping requirements before providing a quotation.
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