Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate (SIBX)
An Effective and Widely Used Collector for Sulfide Mineral Flotation
Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate (SIBX) is a widely used organic collector in mineral processing, primarily applied in the froth flotation of non-ferrous metal sulfide minerals, especially copper, lead, and zinc sulfide ores.
With the chemical formula C₅H₉NaOS₂, CAS No. 25306-75-6, and a molecular weight of 172.24 g/mol, SIBX is supplied as a light yellow to yellowish-gray powder or granules with a characteristic odor. It is readily soluble in water and forms surface compounds with sulfide minerals, increasing their hydrophobicity and improving their attachment to air bubbles.
During the flotation process, SIBX is added to the conditioned ore slurry and mixed in flotation cells. By increasing the affinity of valuable minerals for air bubbles, it promotes their transfer to the froth layer, improving metal recovery and concentrate grade.
Because of its strong collecting power, good selectivity, and stable performance across a range of pH conditions, SIBX is one of the most widely used flotation collectors in sulfide ore processing plants.
Typical Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name | Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate |
| Other Name | Sodium O-isobutyl dithiocarbonate |
| Chemical Formula | C₅H₉NaOS₂ |
| CAS No. | 25306-75-6 |
| Molecular Weight | 172.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow powder or granules |
| Active Ingredient (Xanthate Content) | ≥ 90% |
| Free Alkali | ≤ 0.2% |
| Moisture & Volatile Matter | ≤ 4% |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
Main Applications
- Froth flotation of copper, lead, and zinc sulfide ores
- Processing of polymetallic sulfide ores
- Improving the recovery of valuable minerals in flotation circuits
- Used as a flotation reagent in mineral processing industries
