Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate or Sodium Isopropyl Xanthanate, also known as SIPX, is a mineral chemical compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and sodium. It is commonly used as a flotation collector in the mineral processing industry to separate valuable minerals from gangue. SIPX is also employed in hydrometallurgical processes as a precipitant and as a rubber sulfidation promoter.
Production of Isopropyl Xanthate
Xanthate salts are produced by reacting an alcohol with sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. This reaction involves the attack of the alkoxide salt.
ROH + CS2 + NaOH → ROCS2Na + H2O
Practically any alcohol can be used in this reaction. Technical grade xanthate salts typically have a purity of 90 to 95%. Impurities include alkali metal sulfide, sulfate, trithiocarbonates, thiosulfate, sulfite, or carbonate, as well as residual starting materials such as alcohol and alkali hydroxide. These salts are sold in powder, granular, flake, and solution forms.
Applications of Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate
Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate (SIPX) is a highly useful chemical, predominantly used in the mining industry. It acts as an excellent flotation agent for non-ferrous metal sulfide ores, functioning as a collector. Xanthates are integral to the flotation of sulfide minerals. SIPX is a salt containing a non-polar hydrocarbon group that contributes to the hydrophobic nature of sulfide materials, thus aiding in mineral recovery from solutions.
This compound also contains a polar group that adsorbs onto the surface of sulfide minerals. One of SIPX’s strengths is its cost-effectiveness compared to other materials. It is easy to produce and its availability in solid pellet form facilitates convenient and simple transportation. Therefore, Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate is recognized as a flotation reagent for non-ferrous metal sulfides.
Additionally, SIPX is used in the pharmaceutical industry for producing drugs like pantoprazole. It mitigates the risks associated with the flammable liquid carbon disulfide (CS2) and serves as a carrier in pharmaceutical production. SIPX also finds applications as a herbicide and as a froth flotation agent in mercury-contaminated soils.
Uses of SIPX Include:
- Used as a flotation agent in mining.
- Acts as a collector in flotation processes.
- Can be utilized for the flotation of various hydrophobic minerals.
- Its metal ions form insoluble compounds.
- Employed in froth flotation to separate hydrophobic materials from hydrophilic ones.
- Utilized in the pharmaceutical industry for drug production like pantoprazole.
- Acts as a herbicide.
- Can function as an antioxidant.
- Used as a rubber coating agent.
Is Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate Safe?
The use of Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate has significantly increased worldwide, especially in developing countries, leading to a rise in its production. Major producers of SIPX include:
- China
- India
- United States
- South Africa
- Japan
- Canada
Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate is considered unsafe due to its toxic nature. Exposure to this chemical may have acute or chronic health effects. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), SIPX can cause acute oral poisoning. It is harmful if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin, and can cause severe eye and skin irritation. Proper storage and disposal of SIPX are essential to prevent any adverse effects.
Price of Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate
As a commodity, the price of Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate typically fluctuates based on the cost of raw materials, transportation, and other factors such as labor and taxes. Economic factors like inflation, supply and demand, and exchange rates also influence the pricing of SIPX.
Conclusion
You can purchase Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate for your desired applications. By purchasing SIPX, you can benefit from its various uses in flotation, the pharmaceutical industry, as a collector, and more. It is important to consider the supplier’s credibility, required volume, price, and other factors when making a purchase.
