Xanthate adsorbed on ZnS studied by polarized FTIR-ATR spectroscopy

The structure and orientation of heptylxanthate adsorbed on a ZnS surface have been studied by the FTIR-ATR technique. By using polarized light and the dichroic ratio, we found the average tilt angle to be approximately 44 degrees. The adsorbed layer studied was prepared by self-assembly from solution or by spraying the solution onto the surfaces of the ATR crystal for a short time and then rinsing with water. From the spectra we can conclude that there is a mixture of adsorbed heptylxanthate and formed diheptyldixanthogen on the ZnS surface. A bridging coordination of the adsorbed heptylxanthate is proposed.