Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate (SIPX) Supplier South Africa

What Is Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate?

Sodium isopropyl xanthate (SIPX) is a short-chain C3 xanthate collector produced by reacting isopropanol with carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide. Its shorter alkyl chain relative to butyl or amyl xanthates gives it inherently weaker collector power but substantially higher selectivity against pyrite and iron sulphides. This combination makes SIPX the preferred primary collector in flotation circuits where high concentrate grade and minimal dilution by pyrite are priorities, notably in gold, copper-molybdenum, and copper-porphyry circuits treating pyritic ores at high pH.

Selectivity at Alkaline pH

SIPX is most effective at pH 9–12, where pyrite flotation is naturally suppressed by oxidation of the surface, and additional depression with lime or sodium cyanide further improves selectivity. At these conditions, SIPX selectively collects chalcopyrite, bornite, and gold while leaving pyrite in the pulp. This makes it the dominant collector in copper-molybdenum porphyry flotation, where molybdenite selectivity from pyrite is also important at high pH. SIPX is also used in combination with longer-chain xanthates (SAX, SBX) to tailor selectivity-recovery trade-offs in complex circuits.

Toimitustiedot

Terracore Chemicals supplies SIPX in granular form in 25 kg bags and fibre drums. Short lead times are available for operations in Southern Africa. Technical data sheets and guidance on blend optimisation with longer-chain xanthates are available on request.