Potassium Isopropylxanthate (CAS 140-92-1): Properties, Applications, and Advanced Research Insights
Discover the versatile chemical, its uses in mining, polymers, nanomaterials, and cutting-edge research.
Get a Quote & SampleProduct Core Value

Potassium Isopropylxanthate
Potassium Isopropylxanthate (CAS 140-92-1) is a vital organosulfur compound with a rich history and expanding modern applications. Primarily recognized for its role as a flotation collector in the mining industry, it selectively binds to sulfide minerals, enhancing their separation. Beyond mining, its unique structure makes it valuable in advanced chemical synthesis, particularly in controlled polymerization techniques like RAFT polymerization (macromolecular design via interchange of xanthates) and as a precursor for synthesizing unique metal sulfide nanoparticles.
- Explore the critical role of potassium isopropylxanthate in mineral flotation for efficient sulfide ore separation.
- Understand how potassium isopropylxanthate serves as a key reagent in RAFT polymerization for precise polymer synthesis.
- Learn about the use of potassium isopropylxanthate as a precursor for creating advanced metal sulfide nanoparticles with tailored properties.
- Investigate the compound's effectiveness in scavenging residual palladium from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), ensuring drug purity.
Advantages Offered
Enhanced Mineral Recovery
Potassium Isopropylxanthate significantly improves the recovery of valuable minerals in flotation processes, making mining operations more efficient.
Controlled Polymer Synthesis
Its application in RAFT polymerization allows for the synthesis of polymers with controlled molecular weight and narrow distributions, crucial for advanced materials.
Nanomaterial Precursor
As a single-source precursor, it facilitates the controlled synthesis of metal sulfide nanoparticles, opening avenues in electronics and catalysis.
Key Applications
Mining and Mineral Processing
Potassium isopropylxanthate is extensively used as a flotation collector for sulfide minerals, including chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and pyrite, crucial for efficient mineral separation and recovery.
Polymer Chemistry
It functions as a highly effective chain transfer agent in Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization, enabling the precise synthesis of polymers with controlled architectures.
Materials Science and Nanotechnology
Serves as a precursor for metal sulfide semiconductor nanocrystals, allowing for controlled formation and unique electronic and optical properties.
Pharmaceutical Synthesis
Acts as an efficient scavenger for removing residual palladium from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), a critical step for ensuring drug purity.