FTIR Investigation of the Reactions of Ethyl Xanthate with Non-Activated and Activated Sulfide Minerals

摘要

FTIR spectroscopy employing the ATR technique has been used to investigate the reactions of aqueous potassium ethyl xanthate with copper(II)-activated and non-activated pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite. The spectroscopic data are compared to microflotation results with special emphasis on solution pH. FTIR spectroscopy reveals that diethyl dixanthogen is formed on pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. A monolayer of iron ethyl xanthate co-exists with dixanthogen on the surface of pyrite and a copper xanthate compound on the surface of chalcopyrite. Activation with Cu(II) ions leads to a copper(I) ethyl xanthate-like compound on all the minerals studied. The reaction of ethyl xanthate with non-activated sulfide minerals is favored by low pH, while neutral pH favors the reaction with activated minerals. (Copyright (c) Valtion teknillinen tutkimuskeskus (VTT) 1989.)