Potassium Butyl Xanthate (PBX) — CAS 871-58-9

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What Is Potassium Butyl Xanthate?

Potassium butyl xanthate, also written as potassium n-butyl xanthate or potassium O-butyldithiocarbonate, is an organosulfur compound with the formula C5H9KOS2 (molecular weight 188.35), produced by the xanthation of n-butanol with potassium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. PBX, CAS 871-58-9, is one of the more water-soluble members of the xanthate (collector) family.

Because the potassium cation offers higher aqueous solubility than the corresponding sodium salt, PBX dissolves quickly at ambient temperature, forms clear stock solutions without lumps or residues, and can be prepared at higher concentration for accurate dosing. Its low free-alkali content keeps the working solution stable, which is convenient for continuous reagent feeding. The technical product is a grey to light-grey powder or granule with a slight irritating odour and is hygroscopic, so it should be kept dry and separated from acids and oxidising agents.

It is used as a flotation collector for non-ferrous metal sulfide ores - notably copper, lead and zinc - and performs reliably in copper–zinc and lead–zinc separation circuits as well as in the recovery of gold- and silver-bearing sulfide ores. It also serves as a precipitation agent in hydrometallurgy and as an intermediate in organic synthesis.

Why Choose PBX

Superior solubility: higher aqueous solubility than the sodium salt; 1%–10% stock solutions are easily prepared at room temperature.

Cold-water and hard-water friendly: dissolves and doses reliably in low-temperature pulp, reducing plant-side adjustment.

Cost-efficient dosing: strong collecting power means lower addition rates and reduced reagent consumption per tonne of ore.

Good selectivity: supports higher concentrate grades and recovery in copper–zinc and lead–zinc separation.

Consistent quality: 84%–90% active content with low free alkali and small batch-to-batch variation.

Flexible packaging: woven bags, steel drums and wooden cases, with customised specifications available on agreement.

Technical Specifications

Product Identification

Physical and Chemical Properties

Specification Grades (for reference)

Applications by Ore Type

Copper–Zinc Sulfide Flotation

Applied as a collector for copper and zinc sulfide ores. Its strong collecting power on chalcopyrite, combined with lime for pyrite depression, makes it suitable for copper–zinc bulk flotation and subsequent copper–zinc separation.

Lead–Zinc and Pyrite Circuits

Suitable for the flotation of galena, sphalerite and pyrite, including lead–zinc preferential flotation flowsheets and the flotation of sphalerite activated with copper sulfate.

Gold- and Silver-Bearing Sulfide Ores

Effectively collects sulfide mineral carriers in gold- and silver-bearing ores, supporting the simultaneous recovery of associated precious metals.

Hydrometallurgy and Other Uses

Used for the precipitation and separation of metal ions in hydrometallurgical processes and as an intermediate for xanthate esters in organic synthesis; it also serves as a vulcanisation accelerator in the rubber industry.

Selection and Dosing Guide

Recommended Dosage

A common addition rate is 10–100 g/t of ore. The optimum depends on ore mineralogy, circuit configuration and reagent regime and should be established by laboratory flotation tests.

Preparation and Addition

Add the powder slowly to ambient-temperature water under agitation to prepare a 1%–10% stock solution; avoid bulk charging, which causes lumps.

Use stock solutions fresh; if storage is required, keep them sealed, shaded and cool.

Dose continuously at rougher and scavenger stages, and fine-tune the rate according to froth condition and grade trends.

Operate under alkaline pulp conditions (typically adjusted with lime); avoid adding PBX to strongly acidic pulp.

PBX vs SBX: Which One to Choose

Packaging, Storage and Transport

Customised technical specifications and packaging are available in accordance with agreement.

Keep dry and protect from moisture, water and direct sunlight.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse; keep containers tightly closed and away from fire and heat sources.

Store separately from oxidising agents, acids and incompatible materials; never store or transport together with food, beverages or feed.

Shelf life is approximately 12 months at ambient temperature; follow a first-in-first-out principle.

Safety and Hazard Classification

GHS Classification

Handling and Personal Protection

Maintain good ventilation and minimise dust generation; use closed or local exhaust systems for charging and packing.

Wear protective gloves, a dust mask, goggles or a face shield, and suitable work clothing.

Avoid inhaling dust and direct contact with skin and eyes; wash thoroughly after handling.

Use anti-static tools and keep away from ignition sources to prevent fire caused by static discharge.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: move the person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing; seek medical attention if unwell.

Skin contact: remove contaminated clothing and wash with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation occurs.

Eye contact: rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing and seek medical attention.

Ingestion: rinse the mouth with water and do not induce vomiting; never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person and seek medical attention immediately.

Firefighting and Spill Response

Firefighting: use dry powder, carbon dioxide or alcohol-resistant foam; firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus.

Spill: avoid dust generation, wear protective equipment, collect the material into closed containers and prevent it from entering drains or watercourses.

Disposal: dispose of in accordance with local laws, regulations and environmental requirements; never discharge at will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the difference between potassium butyl xanthate and sodium butyl xanthate?

Both share the same collecting mechanism; the difference lies mainly in the cation. The potassium salt has higher water solubility and dissolves faster, which suits higher-concentration stock solutions and cold-water or hard-water circuits. The sodium salt is more cost-effective and remains the general-purpose collector. The choice depends on ore characteristics and plant dosing conditions.

Q2. What dosage is recommended?

A typical addition rate is 10–100 g/t of ore. The optimum depends on ore mineralogy, circuit configuration and reagent regime, and should be confirmed by laboratory flotation tests.

Q3. How is the product packed, and can packaging be customised?

Standard supply includes 25–50 kg woven bags, 110–180 kg steel drums and 850–900 kg wooden cases, all with an inner plastic liner. Customised specifications and packaging are available in accordance with agreement.

Q4. What is the shelf life and how should the product be stored?

Approximately 12 months when kept sealed, cool, dry and away from direct sunlight. Reseal opened packages promptly and follow a first-in-first-out principle.

Q5. Why must it be kept away from acids?

Xanthates decompose into the parent alcohol and carbon disulfide under acidic conditions, which reduces the active content. Store and transport away from acids, oxidising agents and other incompatible materials.

Q6. Can samples and quality documents be provided?

Samples, COA and SDS are available. Specifications, quantity and shipping arrangement will be confirmed before dispatch.

Request a Quotation

To receive a quotation or technical documents for Potassium Butyl Xanthate (PBX, CAS 871-58-9), please submit the inquiry form on this page with your required specification, purchase quantity, packaging type and destination port. Our technical team will reply within 24 hours.

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