Potentiometric titration of sodium sulfide and xanthate in dilute solutions in their joint presence

Abstract

The need for a method for determining Na₂S and xanthate in their joint presence arises mainly in connection with the enrichment of oxidized ores of copper, lead, and zinc. Ag₂S and a mercury electrode were tested as an indicator electrode for potential titration of a dilute Ag xanthate solution. The most convenient for analyzing xanthate solutions without sulfide sulfur is a mercury electrode. The presence of alkaline soluble carbonates, sulfates, sulfites and thiosulfates does not affect the titration result. A method has been developed for the potential metric titration of xanthates and soluble sulfides in dilute solutions in their compatible presence. The method consists of determining the sum of sulfide and xanthate using potential metric titration with a sublimate with a mercury electrode and determining sulfide using potential metric titration with double Ag cyanide on Ag - Ag₂S electrodes. Due to its simplicity and reliability, the recommended analysis method can be used not only in laboratory conditions, but also in factories to monitor the sulfidation process of oxidized ores.