The function of potassium ethyl xanthate in froth floatation process is to make the ore

Options

A. Attracted towards water
B. Water repellant
C. Lighter
D. Heavier

Answer

To answer the question regarding the function of potassium ethyl xanthate in the froth flotation process, we can break it down into the following steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Froth Flotation**:
- Froth flotation is a process used for the concentration of ores, particularly sulfide ores. It involves the separation of valuable minerals from the gangue (waste material) based on their hydrophobicity (water-repelling properties).

**Hint**: Remember that froth flotation is primarily used for sulfide ores.

2. **Role of Collectors**:
- In the froth flotation process, collectors are chemicals that enhance the hydrophobicity of the mineral particles. This allows them to attach to air bubbles and rise to the surface, forming a froth.

**Hint**: Collectors are essential for increasing the separation efficiency in the flotation process.

3. **Potassium Ethyl Xanthate**:
- Potassium ethyl xanthate (KEX) is a type of collector used in the froth flotation process. It specifically targets sulfide minerals, making them hydrophobic.

**Hint**: Identify potassium ethyl xanthate as a specific type of collector used for sulfide minerals.

4. **Mechanism of Action**:
- When potassium ethyl xanthate is added to the flotation cell, it reacts with the surface of sulfide minerals, forming a hydrophobic layer. This modification allows the minerals to attach to air bubbles and float to the surface.

**Hint**: Focus on how potassium ethyl xanthate modifies the surface of sulfide minerals.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The primary function of potassium ethyl xanthate in the froth flotation process is to increase the hydrophobicity of sulfide ores, facilitating their separation from gangue materials.

**Hint**: Summarize the role of potassium ethyl xanthate as enhancing hydrophobicity for effective flotation.

### Final Answer:
The function of potassium ethyl xanthate in the froth flotation process is to increase the hydrophobicity of sulfide ores, allowing them to attach to air bubbles and float to the surface for separation from the gangue.