Azo Derivatives of Pyrocatechol, Resorcinol, and Salicylic Acid as Collectors for Sulfide Ore Flotation

Abstract

Heterocyclic and aromatic azo derivatives of pyrocatechol, resorcinol, and salicylic acid have been investigated as collectors for the flotation of sulfide ores. The acid-base properties of the compounds were studied, their solubility in an alkaline solution was determined. It was established that the fixing of reagents on the surface of the ore occurs mainly by the chemical mechanism. Adsorption constants were calculated. It was found that most of the studied reagents exhibit collective properties with respect to sulfide copper—nickel ore. The use of mixtures of azo compounds with potassium butyl xanthogenate leads to an increase in the degree of extraction of nickel and copper, as well as the quality of the concentrates, in comparison with one butyl xanthogenate.