Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate, Sodium Isobutyl Dithiocarbonate, Sodium Isobutyl Xanthogenate, SIBX, 25306-75-6
SODIUM ISOBUTYL XANTHATE (SIBX)
Product Name: Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate
Other Names: Sodium Isobutyl Dithiocarbonate, Sodium Isobutyl Xanthogenate, SIBX, Sodium Isobutylxanthate
CAS Number: 25306-75-6
Chemical Formula: C₄H₉OCSSNa
Molecular Weight: ~172.24 g/mol
Chemical Class: Xanthate (Dithiocarbonate) – Flotation Reagent
Origin: Synthetic, flotation reagent
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND DEFINITION
| Parameter |
Information |
| Product Name |
Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate |
| Other Names |
Sodium Isobutyl Dithiocarbonate, Sodium Isobutyl Xanthogenate, SIBX, Sodium Isobutylxanthate, Sodium O-Isobutyl Dithiocarbonate |
| CAS Number |
25306-75-6 |
| Chemical Formula |
C₄H₉OCSSNa |
| Molecular Weight |
~172.24 g/mol |
| Chemical Class |
Xanthate (Dithiocarbonate) – Flotation Reagent |
| Origin |
Synthetic, flotation reagent |
| Appearance |
Yellowish to pale yellow powder or granules |
| Odor |
Characteristic pungent, sharp odor |
| Solubility |
Soluble in water |
| Physical Form |
Powder or granules depending on production method |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property |
Value |
| Appearance |
Yellowish to pale yellow powder or granules |
| Odor |
Characteristic pungent, sharp, unpleasant odor |
| Molecular Weight |
~172.24 g/mol |
| Chemical Formula |
C₄H₉OCSSNa |
| pH (1% solution) |
8 – 11 |
| Density |
~1.1 g/cm³ |
| Solubility |
Soluble in water |
| Stability |
Stable under recommended storage conditions |
| Hygroscopicity |
Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air) |
| Decomposition Temperature |
> 200 °C |
| Bulk Density |
~0.6 – 0.9 g/cm³ |
SECTION 3: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES
3.1. Chemical Structure
| Parameter |
Information |
| Chemical Name |
Sodium O-Isobutyl Dithiocarbonate |
| IUPAC Name |
Sodium 2-methylpropoxymethanedithioate |
| SMILES |
CC(C)COC(=S)[S-].[Na+] |
| Alkyl Group |
Isobutyl – C₄ (4-carbon branched chain) |
| Functional Group |
Dithiocarbonate (xanthate) – OCSS⁻ |
| Chain Type |
Branched chain (isomer of butyl) |
3.2. Chemical Properties
| Property |
Description |
| pH Stability |
Stable in alkaline conditions; decomposes rapidly in acidic environments (pH < 7) |
| Reaction with Metal Ions |
Forms insoluble complexes with heavy metal ions |
| Hydrolysis |
Hydrolyzes to produce xanthic acid and isobutyl alcohol |
| Oxidation |
Oxidizes to dixanthogen in the presence of oxygen |
| Aqueous Stability |
Degrades over time; faster degradation in acidic conditions |
SECTION 4: MECHANISM OF ACTION IN FLOTATION
4.1. Collector Mechanism
| Mechanism |
Description |
| Adsorption |
SIBX adsorbs onto the surface of sulfide minerals through chemisorption (formation of metal-xanthate complexes) |
| Hydrophobicity |
The adsorbed SIBX layer makes the mineral surface hydrophobic, allowing it to attach to air bubbles |
| Isobutyl Chain |
The 4-carbon isobutyl chain provides moderate collecting power with balanced selectivity |
| Flotation |
Hydrophobic mineral particles attach to air bubbles and rise to the surface for collection |
4.2. Collecting Power Comparison (Xanthate Series)
| Xanthate Type |
Alkyl Chain |
Collecting Power |
Selectivity |
Typical Application |
| Sodium Ethyl Xanthate (SEX) |
Ethyl (C₂) |
Weakest |
Highest |
Selective flotation |
| Potassium Ethyl Xanthate (KEX) |
Ethyl (C₂) |
Weak |
High |
Selective flotation |
| Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate (SIPX) |
Isopropyl (C₃) |
Moderate |
Moderate-High |
Wide range |
| Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate (SIBX) |
Isobutyl (C₄) |
Strong |
Moderate |
Balanced (Pb, Zn) |
| Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX) |
Amyl (C₅) |
Strongest |
Lowest |
Difficult ores |
| Sodium Hexyl Xanthate (SHX) |
Hexyl (C₆) |
Very Strong |
Very Low |
Refractory ores |
SECTION 5: DETAILED COMPARISON WITH OTHER XANTHATES
| Parameter |
SEX (140-90-9) |
KEX (140-89-6) |
SIPX (140-93-2) |
SIBX (25306-75-6) |
PAX (2720-73-2) |
SHX (35042-31-6) |
| Alkyl Chain |
Ethyl (C₂) |
Ethyl (C₂) |
Isopropyl (C₃) |
Isobutyl (C₄) |
Amyl (C₅) |
Hexyl (C₆) |
| Collecting Power |
Weakest |
Weak |
Moderate |
Strong |
Strongest |
Very Strong |
| Selectivity |
Highest |
High |
Moderate-High |
Moderate |
Lowest |
Very Low |
| Primary Application |
Cu, Pb, Zn sulfides |
Cu, Zn ores |
Au, Cu sulfides |
Pb, Zn sulfides |
Au, Cu, Ni, pyrite |
Refractory ores |
| Suitable Ores |
Selective flotation |
Selective flotation |
Wide range |
Balanced |
Difficult ores |
Very difficult ores |
| Chain Type |
Linear |
Linear |
Branched |
Branched |
Linear |
Linear |
| Branched/Linear |
Linear |
Linear |
Branched |
Branched |
Linear |
Linear |
SECTION 6: APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Mineral Processing (Flotation)
| Application |
Description |
| Lead Ores |
Flotation of galena (PbS); SIBX provides excellent recovery with good selectivity |
| Zinc Ores |
Flotation of sphalerite (ZnS), especially with activators (copper sulfate) |
| Copper Ores |
Flotation of chalcopyrite and other copper sulfide minerals |
| Mixed Sulfide Ores |
Where a balance between collecting power and selectivity is required |
| Lead-Zinc Complex Ores |
Bulk flotation or selective flotation circuits |
| Silver-Bearing Ores |
Flotation of silver-containing sulfide minerals |
6.2. Other Applications
| Application |
Description |
| Rubber Industry |
Used as a vulcanization accelerator in rubber processing |
| Hydrometallurgy |
Pre-concentration of ores before leaching |
| Analytical Chemistry |
Reagent for metal ion detection and precipitation |
SECTION 7: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
7.1. Advantages
| Advantage |
Description |
| Balanced Performance |
Provides an excellent balance between collecting power and selectivity |
| Versatile |
Effective in lead, zinc, and copper ore flotation |
| Stronger than SIPX |
Longer alkyl chain provides stronger collecting power than SIPX |
| Branched Chain |
Branched structure offers different adsorption characteristics compared to linear xanthates |
| Good Recovery |
Ensures good recovery of sulfide minerals |
| Compatibility |
Works well with activators (copper sulfate for zinc flotation) |
7.2. Disadvantages
| Disadvantage |
Description |
| Not as Strong as PAX |
Less collecting power compared to PAX; may be insufficient for very difficult ores |
| Environmental Risk |
Decomposition releases carbon disulfide (CS₂), which is toxic |
| Hazardous Material |
Requires special safety measures for storage and handling |
| Sensitive |
Sensitive to heat, moisture, light, and acidic conditions |
| Pungent Odor |
Strong, unpleasant odor during handling |
SECTION 8: TYPICAL DOSAGE AND APPLICATION
8.1. Recommended Dosage
| Parameter |
Value |
| Typical Dosage Range |
50 – 300 g/t of ore (depending on ore type and conditions) |
| Optimal Dosage |
Determined by flotation test work |
| Addition Point |
Added to the grinding circuit or conditioning tank |
| Solution Strength |
Typically 5-10% aqueous solution |
8.2. Application Instructions
| Step |
Description |
| 1 |
Prepare SIBX solution by dissolving in water (typically 5-10% solution) |
| 2 |
Add to the flotation circuit at the designated addition point |
| 3 |
Condition the pulp for 2-5 minutes for optimal adsorption |
| 4 |
Adjust dosage based on ore characteristics and flotation response |
| 5 |
Use solutions within 3-5 days to prevent decomposition |
8.3. Xanthate Selection Guide by Application
| Application |
Recommended Xanthate |
Reason |
| Selective Flotation |
SEX, KEX |
Highest selectivity required |
| Copper Sulfides (Clean Ores) |
SEX, SIPX |
Good balance |
| Lead Ores (Galena) |
SIBX, PAX |
SIBX provides optimal performance for galena |
| Zinc Ores (Sphalerite) |
SIBX, PAX |
SIBX with copper sulfate activator |
| Gold-Bearing Pyrite |
PAX, SIPX |
PAX strongest for pyrite |
| Mixed Sulfide Ores |
SIBX |
Balanced performance |
| Refractory Ores |
PAX, SHX |
Maximum collecting power required |
| Bulk Sulfide Flotation |
PAX, SIBX |
Strong collecting power needed |
SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Appearance |
Yellowish to pale yellow powder or granules |
| Purity (Active Content) |
≥ 90.0% |
| Free Alkali (as NaOH) |
≤ 0.5% |
| Moisture |
≤ 4.0% |
| Insoluble Matter |
≤ 0.5% |
| pH (1% solution) |
8 – 11 |
| Sulfide Content |
< 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) |
< 10 ppm |
| HS Code |
2930902000 |
SECTION 10: PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type |
Quantity |
Material |
| Plastic Drum |
100 – 200 kg |
HDPE |
| Fiber Drum |
100 – 150 kg |
HDPE + PE liner |
| Multi-layer Bag |
25 kg |
PE-lined kraft paper |
| Big-Bag |
500 – 1000 kg |
Polypropylene (with PE liner) |
SECTION 11: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter |
Information |
| Storage Conditions |
Cool (<15-25°C), dry, well-ventilated area; away from direct sunlight |
| Container Requirements |
Tightly closed, original packaging |
| Protect From |
Heat, moisture, direct sunlight, acidic conditions, oxidizing agents |
| Shelf Life |
6-12 months (unopened original packaging) |
| Stability Note |
Decomposes in acidic conditions; sensitive to heat and moisture; decomposes to carbon disulfide (CS₂) |
SECTION 12: SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION
12.1. Classification
| Parameter |
Information |
| GHS Classification |
Self-heating substances (Category 2), Acute Toxicity (Category 4), Skin Irritation (Category 2), Eye Irritation (Category 2A), Reproductive Toxicity (Category 2), Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Category 2/3) |
| Signal Word |
WARNING |
| UN Number |
3342 |
| Hazard Class |
4.2 (Substances liable to spontaneous combustion) |
12.2. Hazard Statements
| Code |
Statement |
| H252 |
Self-heating in large quantities; may catch fire |
| H302 |
Harmful if swallowed |
| H315 |
Causes skin irritation |
| H319 |
Causes serious eye irritation |
| H335 |
May cause respiratory irritation |
| H361 |
Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child |
| H373 |
May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure |
12.3. Precautionary Statements
| Code |
Statement |
| P201 |
Obtain special instructions before use |
| P235+P410 |
Keep cool. Protect from sunlight. |
| P261 |
Avoid breathing dust |
| P280 |
Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye/face protection |
| P301+P312 |
IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell |
| P305+P351+P338 |
IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes |
| P308+P313 |
IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention |
| P403+P233 |
Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed |
12.4. Toxicological Information
| Parameter |
Value |
| Oral LD50 (Rat) |
Acute Oral Toxicity – Category 4 (Harmful if swallowed) |
| Dermal LD50 (Rabbit) |
Acute Dermal Toxicity – Category 4 |
| Skin Irritation |
Category 2 (Causes skin irritation) |
| Eye Irritation |
Category 2A (Causes serious eye irritation) |
| Inhalation |
May cause respiratory irritation |
SECTION 13: ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| Decomposition |
Decomposes to carbon disulfide (CS₂), which is toxic and environmentally hazardous |
| Aquatic Toxicity |
Toxic to aquatic organisms |
| Persistence |
Degrades in the environment; may persist under certain conditions |
| Environmental Precautions |
Prevent entry into drains, soil, and surface waters |
SECTION 14: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| UN Number |
3342 |
| UN Proper Shipping Name |
XANTHATES (Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate) |
| Hazard Class |
4.2 (Substances liable to spontaneous combustion) |
| Packing Group |
II or III (depending on formulation) |
| ADR/RID |
Regulated |
| IMDG Code |
Regulated |
| IATA (Air) |
Regulated |
SECTION 15: REGULATORY STATUS
| Parameter |
Information |
| TSCA (USA) |
Yes |
| EINECS |
Not assigned |
| HS Code |
2930902000 |
SECTION 16: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL NOTES
Product Summary
| Parameter |
Value |
| Product |
Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate (SIBX) |
| CAS Number |
25306-75-6 |
| Chemical Formula |
C₄H₉OCSSNa |
| Appearance |
Yellowish to pale yellow powder or granules |
| Primary Function |
Collector for sulfide minerals in froth flotation |
| Key Feature |
Balanced collecting power and selectivity |
Critical Notes
-
Balanced Performance: SIBX provides an excellent balance between collecting power and selectivity, making it ideal for lead and zinc sulfide flotation.
-
Branched Chain: The isobutyl (branched C₄) structure offers different adsorption characteristics compared to linear xanthates, providing unique selectivity patterns.
-
Primary Applications: Lead ores (galena), zinc ores (sphalerite with activators), copper sulfides, and mixed sulfide ores.
-
Stronger than SIPX: SIBX has a longer alkyl chain (C₄ vs C₃) than SIPX, providing stronger collecting power while maintaining good selectivity.
-
Weaker than PAX: SIBX is not as strong as PAX, making it less suitable for very difficult ores where maximum collecting power is required.
-
Zinc Flotation: SIBX is commonly used with copper sulfate activator for sphalerite flotation.
-
Mechanism: SIBX adsorbs onto sulfide mineral surfaces through chemisorption; binding strength is moderate compared to the xanthate series.
-
Decomposition: Decomposes in acidic conditions (pH <7) to carbon disulfide (CS₂); must be stored in alkaline conditions.
-
Safety: Self-heating substance (Category 2); flammable; toxic; requires careful handling and storage.
-
Environmental: Decomposition products (CS₂) are toxic to the environment.
-
Chain Length Rule: As alkyl chain length increases, collecting power increases, but selectivity decreases. SIBX (C₄) represents the optimal balance point for many operations.
-
Isomer Comparison: Isobutyl (branched) vs. butyl (linear) – branched isomers generally offer different selectivity and frothing characteristics.
-
Solution Stability: SIBX solutions should be used within 3-5 days to prevent decomposition into carbon disulfide.
-
Compatibility: Can be used with lime to maintain alkaline pH; compatible with activators (copper sulfate), frothers, and modifiers.
-
Industry Standard: SIBX is one of the most widely used xanthates for lead-zinc flotation circuits globally.
IMPORTANT DECLARATION: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.
