Sponsor Area

The D-And-f-Block Elements

Question
CBSEENCH12007172

Account for the following facts:
Pine oil is used in froth floatation process.

Solution
This slurry (more properly called the pulp) of hydrophobic mineral-bearing ore and hydrophilic gangue is then introduced to a water bath which is aerated, creating bubbles. The hydrophobic grains of mineral-bearing ore escape the water by attaching to the air bubbles, which rises to the surface, forming a foam (more properly called a froth). The froth is removed and the concentrated mineral is further refined.
Pine oil, besides wetting the mineral particles promotes the formation of air bubbles (froth) when agitated with air.