Application

Potassium amyl xanthate (PAX), with the chemical formula C6H11OCSSK, is commonly used in gold mining as a flotation agent. It acts as a collector in the flotation process, where it selectively binds to the surface of gold-bearing minerals, making them hydrophobic. This allows the gold particles to attach to air bubbles and float to the surface for easier extraction. PAX is effective in improving the recovery rate of gold from ores, particularly in complex and low-grade deposits.