Design and synthesis of a novel small organic molecule and its potential application as a flotation depressant of molybdenite

Flotation, an efficient and widely used industrial process, is a cornerstone of mineral processing. Reagents are critical to flotation efficiency, with depressants playing a decisive role in the separation of sulfide ore with similar flotability. This study involved the design and synthesis of a small organic molecule. Highly active aromatic organic acids were selected as reactants, and quantum chemical calculations were conducted to evaluate the stability of the synthesized products and their adsorption strength on the molybdenite surface. Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were employed to characterize the structure and purity of the compounds. The small molecular organic was used as a flotation depressant for molybdenite, and its ability to separate molybdenite from chalcopyrite was evaluated through a flotation experiment. This molecule achieved excellent flotation separation of molybdenite, offering a new approach for designing, developing, and applying innovative flotation reagents.