A study of sulphur xanthates in relation to their role in froth flotation of sulphide minerals

Potassium alkyl xanthates are commonly used as collectors in the flotation of sulphide minerals. Much research has been directed to the formulation of mechanisms responsible for the hydrophobicity of the sulphide minerals in xanthate flotation. Alkyl dixanthogen plays an important role in this mixed-potential mechanism, and is regarded as the species which imparts hydrophobicity to the mineral surface. Winter has recently suggested that sulphur xanthates, which are chemically very similar to alkyl dixanthogen, may play a significant role in the processes rendering the sulphide minerals hydrophobic during froth flotation. The aim of this investigation was to develop techniques for the separation and identification of sulphur xanthates at very low levels of conecentration. Techniques employed were Molecular Emission Cavity Analysis Spectroscopy and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. It was possible to extract the sulpur xanthates from simulated flotation liquors, separate the individual species, and determine them to a level of 0.05 ppm in the liquor. Aklyl sulphur dixanthates were found to disproportionate in methanol solution.Masters Degree in Applied Scienc