Specialty Additives Available — Bulk Only

Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX)

PAX
CAS 2720-73-2 · Formula C6H11KOS2 · MW 202.4 g/mol

A sulfide-mineral flotation collector supplied to mineral-processing and mining operations. Its established use is as a collector in the froth flotation of sulfide minerals during ore concentration.

Safety Data Sheet
UN Number
UN 3342
Hazard Class
Class 4.2
HS Code
2930.90
At a Glance
Material Family
Specialty Additives
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Wetting
Functional Roles
Applications & Use Cases
  • Froth flotation: Collector for sulfide-mineral recovery
  • Ore concentration: Promotes selective flotation in mineral processing
  • Mining reagents: Bulk flotation reagent for concentrators
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Large Crystals; Dry Powder; Other Solid
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 4.2 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 3342
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 4.2
Packing GroupII
Proper Shipping NameXanthates

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2930 . 90
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.30
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2930.90
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
2720-73-2
Molecular Formula
C6H11KOS2
Molecular Weight
202.4 g/mol
IUPAC Name
potassium pentoxymethanedithioate
PubChem CID
InChI Key
YIBBMDDEXKBIAM-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Synonyms & Trade Names
Amyl potassium xanthate Potassium pentylxanthate Aeroxanthate Aeroxanthate 350 Z 6 (Flotation agent) Carbonodithioic acid, O-pentyl ester, potassium salt Potassium pentyl xanthate Potassium amylxanthogenate Potassium n-amylxanthogenate Potassium pentyl xanthogenate Xanthic acid, pentyl-, potassium salt Amylxanthic acid, potassium salt Dithiocarbonic acid O-pentyl ester potassium salt Carbonic acid, dithio-, O-pentyl ester, potassium salt Amilxantato potasico
Full Description

Potassium amyl xanthate (CAS 2720-73-2) is the potassium salt of amyl (pentyl) xanthic acid, an O-alkyl dithiocarbonate. Its established use is as a collector in the froth flotation of sulfide minerals during ore concentration. It is supplied as a flotation reagent to mineral-processing and mining operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is potassium amyl xanthate used for?

Potassium amyl xanthate (PAX, CAS 2720-73-2) is used as a collector in the froth flotation of sulfide minerals during ore concentration. It is supplied as a bulk flotation reagent to mineral-processing and mining operations.

What is the formula for potassium amyl xanthate?

Potassium amyl xanthate has the formula C6H11KOS2; it is the potassium salt of amyl (pentyl) xanthic acid, an O-alkyl dithiocarbonate, CAS 2720-73-2.

What does a xanthate collector do in flotation?

Xanthate collectors adsorb onto sulfide-mineral surfaces and make them hydrophobic so target minerals attach to air bubbles and report to the froth, enabling selective separation from gangue. PAX is one of the longer-chain (amyl) xanthates used for this purpose.

How does potassium amyl xanthate compare to potassium ethyl xanthate?

Both are O-alkyl dithiocarbonate flotation collectors; the difference is chain length. The amyl (C5) chain in PAX gives stronger, less selective collecting power than the shorter ethyl xanthate, which is typically more selective. Selection depends on the ore and circuit.

How is bulk potassium amyl xanthate packaged and quoted?

PAX is supplied as a flotation reagent in pellet/powder form, typically in drums, bags, or supersacks. Submit a bulk RFQ with quantity and packaging for current pricing with CoA and SDS; HS classification is 2930.90.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.