Synthesis of N—decyl—1,3—diaminopropanes and its flotation properties on aluminium silicate minerals

N-decyl-1,3-diaminopropanes(DNs) were synthesized from alkyl-smine acrylonitrile at ambient pres-sure.With the synthesized DNs as collectors,the flotation of kaolinite,pyrophyllite and illite was conducted and the results were interpreted in terms of the structure-activity relationship.The DNs are found to be more effective col-lectors than dodecyl amine,exhibiting the highest recovery over a pH range of 4-6.Among the DNs examined,DN12 shows the highest flotation efficiency.The flotation mechanisms were explained in view of the structures of re-agents and aluminium silicate minerals.It is demonstrated that DNs can become new selective collectors for reverse floatation to remove aluminium silicate minerals from bauxite.