Product range
Flotation Reagents: Xanthates, Dithiophosphates and NaHS
Collectors for sulfide ore flotation, sodium hydrosulfide for sulfidizing, plus frothers and depressants.

Sodium Iso-butyl Xanthate
CAS 25306-75-6
Isobutyl xanthate collector for bulk sulfide rougher flotation, with controlled assay, free alkali and moisture.
Xanthate purity ≥90%Specifications →
Sodium Ethyl Xanthate
CAS 140-90-9
Short-chain ethyl xanthate collector for selective copper and zinc sulfide flotation, with controlled assay and moisture.
Xanthate purity ≥90%Specifications →
Sodium Butyl Xanthate
CAS 141-33-3
SBX xanthate collector for copper, zinc and other non-ferrous sulfide mineral flotation.
Xanthate purity ≥90.0%Specifications →
Potassium Butyl Xanthate
CAS 871-58-9
PBX xanthate collector for copper, zinc and other non-ferrous sulfide mineral flotation.
Xanthate purity ≥90.0%Specifications →
Sodium Diisobutyl Dithiophosphate
CAS 53378-51-1
Water-soluble selective collector for copper, zinc, nickel and precious-metal-bearing sulfide flotation.
49–53% active contentSpecifications →
Sodium Hydrosulfide Flakes 70%
CAS 207683-19-0
Hydrated industrial NaHS flakes for mineral flotation and sulfide chemistry.
NaHS ≥70%Specifications →Full Flotation Reagent List with CAS Numbers
↔ Swipe table to see all columns
| Reagent | CAS No. | Role | Form | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Ethyl Xanthate (SEX) | 140-90-9 | Collector | Powder / pellets | Selective copper / zinc flotation |
| Sodium Butyl Xanthate (SBX) | 141-33-3 | Collector | Powder / pellets | Copper, nickel and pyrite flotation |
| Potassium Butyl Xanthate (PBX) | 871-58-9 | Collector | Powder / pellets | Non-ferrous sulfide flotation |
| Sodium Iso-butyl Xanthate (SIBX) | 25306-75-6 | Collector | Powder / pellets | Bulk copper / lead / zinc flotation |
| Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX) | 2720-73-2 | Collector | Powder / pellets | Copper-nickel / gold-bearing pyrite |
| Sodium Diisobutyl Dithiophosphate | 53378-51-1 | Collector | Liquid | Selective copper / zinc / silver |
| Sodium Di(isobutyl)dithiophosphinate | 13360-78-6 | Collector | Liquid | Copper / lead / precious metals |
| Sodium Hydrosulfide Flakes 70% | 207683-19-0 | Sulfidizer | Flakes | Oxide sulfidizing / Cu-Mo separation |
Custom grades, including PAX in specific purity and form, are available on request. The TDS of each product prevails.
Applications
Flotation Reagents for Copper, Gold, Lead-Zinc and Nickel Ores
Match the collector and modifier scheme to mineralogy, liberation and circuit conditions. Start with ore-specific test work.
Copper and copper-gold ores
Compare SIBX, SBX or PAX in rougher circuits. Evaluate SEX or dithiophosphate blends when selective copper recovery and pyrite rejection are priorities.
Gold-bearing sulfides
Evaluate PAX or SIBX where gold is associated with recoverable sulfide minerals. Confirm liberation and competing sulfide recovery in bench tests.
Lead-zinc ores
Selective xanthates and dithiophosphates support sequential lead and zinc flotation. Check activation, depression and reagent addition order.
Nickel and copper-nickel ores
Assess PAX and suitable butyl xanthates for nickel and copper sulfide feeds. Balance collecting strength with concentrate selectivity.
Oxide and mixed ores
Sodium hydrosulfide can prepare suitable oxidized mineral surfaces before collector addition. Control sulfidization and conditioning through test work.
Selection guide
How to Choose a Xanthate Collector for Sulfide Flotation
Carbon-chain length is one useful starting point, but collector performance also depends on mineralogy, surface oxidation, pulp pH, activation and circuit stage. Compare candidates with laboratory and plant test work.
SEX · ethyl (C2)
A short-chain collector for trials that prioritize selective flotation of copper or zinc sulfides, including cleaner-stage duty.
SBX / PBX · butyl (C4)
General-purpose sulfide collectors. Compare recovery, activation requirements and rejection of unwanted sulfides in the target circuit.
SIBX · isobutyl (C4)
An established option for bulk sulfide rougher flotation. Check performance alongside depressants, frothers and other collectors.
PAX · amyl (C5)
A strong collector for copper-nickel feeds and gold-bearing pyrite. Evaluate dosage and concentrate quality through bench and plant trials.
↔ Swipe table to see all columns
| Xanthate | Carbon chain | Evaluation priority | Typical trial focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEX | C2 · ethyl | Selectivity | Copper / zinc sulfides; cleaner stages |
| SBX / PBX | C4 · n-butyl | Balanced sulfide collection | General rougher and activated sulfide circuits |
| SIBX | C4 · isobutyl | Bulk sulfide recovery | Copper / lead / zinc rougher circuits |
| PAX | C5 · amyl | Strong collecting action | Copper-nickel and gold-bearing sulfides |
Other Factors in Collector Selection
Pyrite rejection
Evaluate collector selectivity with pH, activation and depressant conditions. Compare concentrate grade as well as metal recovery.
Mixed collector systems
Test xanthate and dithiophosphate combinations when the circuit needs a different recovery-selectivity balance.
Oxide and mixed ores
Confirm whether sulfidization is suitable for the ore before selecting a xanthate-based reagent scheme.
Sodium or potassium salt
Compare the required collector chemistry, supplied grade and plant preparation practice when choosing the salt.
Solution preparation
Prepare solutions under a controlled plant procedure. Temperature, pH and solution age affect xanthate stability.
Test work first
Confirm collector type, dosage and addition points on representative ore samples before plant adoption.
Quality & handling
Xanthate Specification, Packing and Storage
Every batch is tested before shipment and supplied with a COA, TDS and MSDS.
Industrial Xanthate Supply Profile
| Parameter | Supply information |
|---|---|
| Covered products | SEX · SBX · PBX · SIBX · PAX |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to yellow / khaki solids |
| Physical form | Powder or pellets |
| Xanthate purity | ≥90.0% wt |
| Free alkali | ≤0.2% wt |
| Moisture & volatile matter | ≤4.0% wt |
| Water solubility | Soluble; product TDS applies |
| Bulk transport identity | UN 3342 · Xanthates |
| Transport class / group | Class 4.2 · Packing group III |
Analytical limits are taken from the current product-page TDS profiles. See each product page for its full specification and packing options.
Packing
Xanthates: lined drums, wooden boxes or bags according to the product TDS. PAX: 120 kg drums or 900 kg lined boxes. SIBX: 130 kg drums, 850 kg boxes or 25–50 kg bags.
Storage
Keep packs sealed, cool, dry and ventilated. Protect moisture barriers and maintain air gaps between stacks. Separate stock from water, acids, oxidizers, heat and ignition sources.
Documents and supply checks
Request the matching TDS, SDS and batch COA. Confirm the product grade, physical form, pack size and dangerous-goods transport documents before dispatch.
Specifications and packing follow the TDS of the supplied product. Transport information must match the grade, physical form and shipment.
Why source from us
Why Mines and Distributors Buy from ZXCHEM
Flotation reagents in bulk, with the paperwork that dangerous-goods shipping requires.
Full collector range
Five xanthates, dithiophosphate and dithiophosphinate collectors, plus frothers and depressants, from one supplier.
Dangerous-goods export
UN-compliant packing, MSDS and declarations for class 4.2 and class 8 cargo.
Custom grades
Purity, form and packing adjusted to your plant, including custom PAX.
Batch testing
Laboratory testing of every batch, with a COA shipped with the goods.
FAQ
Flotation Reagent Sourcing Questions
Which flotation reagents do you supply?
We supply sodium ethyl, sodium butyl, potassium butyl, sodium isobutyl and potassium amyl xanthates, sodium diisobutyl dithiophosphate, sodium diisobutyl dithiophosphinate and sodium hydrosulfide 70% flakes. Frothers and depressants are also available on request.
What is the difference between SIBX and PAX?
Both are strong xanthate collectors. PAX has a longer carbon chain, so it collects more strongly but less selectively; it is often chosen for coarse or tarnished sulfides and copper-nickel ores. SIBX is widely used for bulk copper, lead and zinc flotation.
When should I use a dithiophosphate instead of a xanthate?
Dithiophosphates are more selective against pyrite and are often combined with a xanthate to improve selectivity for copper, zinc or silver. The best combination depends on your ore test work.
How are xanthates packed and shipped?
Xanthates are self-heating solids (UN 3342, class 4.2). They ship in approved drums, boxes or bags with MSDS and dangerous-goods declarations, and should be stored cool, dry and away from water, acids and oxidizers.
Can you supply custom grades?
Yes. We can adjust purity, form and packing, including PAX to a specific grade. Send your target specification and annual volume.
Can I get a sample for lab flotation tests?
Yes. We can provide free samples for laboratory flotation tests. Xanthates and NaHS are dangerous goods, so samples travel with an approved courier and take longer than ordinary parcels.
Request a Quote
Request a Quote for Flotation Reagents
Tell us the reagent, grade, monthly volume and destination port. We reply within one business day with the TDS, MSDS and pricing.
- Five xanthates, dithiophosphate, dithiophosphinate and NaHS
- UN-approved packing with dangerous-goods documents
- Free samples for lab flotation tests

