Chemical appearance:
Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate (SIPX) is available in the solid powder form or in the shape of pellets. SIPX has the appearance of white to yellowish deliquescent solid in the powder form. The color of the SIPX pellets varies from yellow to green. In the solid powder form, SIPX emits a slightly pungent odour. In the pellet form, SIPX emits a sulphur like odour.

Chemical application and strengths:

• • The strength of SIPX for collection is slightly higher than that of ethyl xanthate. Therefore, it serves as the perfect tool for the flotation of nonferrous metallic sulfide minerals in the form of a collector. Xanthates have been known for being an integral part of sulfide mineral flotation. SIPX is actually a salt that contains a non-polar hydrocarbon group that helps in the hydrophobic nature of sulfide material, thereby pointing out from the mineral to the solution. The salt also contains a polar group that adsorbs onto the sulfide mineral surface.

• • The strengths of SIPX are clearly evident in its cost-effectiveness in comparison to renowned specialty collectors. SIPX is easy to manufacture, and their availability in the solid pellet form helps in convenient and simpler handling. Therefore, SIPX is one of the common choices as a flotation reagent in the case of non-ferrous metal sulfides.

• SIPX also finds applications in the pharmaceutical industry for manufacturing drugs such as Pantoprazole. SIPX also reduces the risks of hazards due to the flammable CS2 liquid and is also assumed as a carrier in the production of pharmaceutical products. SIPX also finds prominent applications as an herbicide, froth flotation agent in soils contaminated with mercury, and as an antioxidant and rubber curing agent.