How to Buy SIPX: Specs, Activity and Packing

Sodium isopropyl xanthate (SIPX, CAS 140-93-2) is a selective sulphide collector, and – like every xanthate – it is bought on activity, protected from moisture, and consumed before it degrades. This guide covers what to confirm on a SIPX enquiry.

1. The specification to confirm

Property	What to check
Appearance	Pale-yellow to yellow solid / granules
Activity (assay)	The active xanthate content – the parameter you pay for (commonly 90% min; confirm your limit)
Free alkali	Affects pH and handling (by-product alkali; keep it low)
Form	Granules (low dust) or powder

2. Why activity matters most

Xanthates are dosed by mass, but they work by active content. A lower-activity material means a higher dose for the same flotation result – so compare quotes on cost per unit of active, not just price per tonne. Confirm the activity on the batch COA.

3. The parameter no other reagent has: degradation

Xanthates decompose with moisture, heat and time (releasing carbon disulphide). This changes how you should buy:

Buy to consumption. Order against your monthly usage; do not stockpile.
Rotate stock (FIFO) and keep it sealed, cool and dry.
Prefer scheduled deliveries over one bulk shipment.
Make up solutions fresh each shift.

The cheapest SIPX is the one with high activity that is used promptly.

4. Packaging

Packaging	Notes
PP/PE woven bags with inner liner (e.g. 25 kg)	Common export pack; the liner keeps moisture out
Drums	Sturdier, more moisture-proof
Jumbo bags	For plants with bulk handling and high consumption

5. Choosing SIPX vs other xanthates

SIPX is the selective choice. Pick SIBX or PAX where recovery matters more; pick SEX where even more selectivity is needed. See the SIBX vs SIPX vs PAX comparison and the xanthate selection chart.

6. Documents and supplier checklist

Per-batch COA showing activity and free alkali.
SDS for handling, storage and transport.
Moisture-protected packaging matched to your store.
Scheduled delivery capability (not just a one-off shipment).
FOB or CIF quote to your port, with lead time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activity does SIPX come in?

Commonly 90% min, but grades vary – confirm the activity and free-alkali limits you need, and check them on the batch COA.

Why should I not buy a year’s SIPX?

Because xanthates degrade with moisture, heat and time. Stock that ages loses activity, so you pay for reagent that no longer floats mineral. Buy to consumption.

How is SIPX packed?

Moisture-barrier PP/PE bags with an inner liner, drums, or jumbo bags.

Is SIPX more expensive than SIBX?

Pricing follows the alcohol cost: SIPX (isopropanol) generally sits below SIBX (isobutanol) and PAX (amyl alcohol). Compare on cost per unit of active and per tonne of ore treated.