Synthesis of Disaccharide-Based Xanthates for the Removal of Some Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solutions

Two samples of lactose xanthates (LX1 and LX2) have been synthesized by the reaction of lactose (La), and carbon disulfides (CS2) in the basic medium using NaOH/KOH. The synthesized products were extracted with diethyl ether and dried in the air resulting in the formation of yellow-colored liquid products. The formation of synthesized xanthates has been confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The synthesized xanthates were utilized for the removal of heavy metal ions (CuII and NiII) and turbidity from wastewater. It was found that LX1, LX2, and pure lactose (La) remove 94.9%, 95.4%, 93.8%, &95.4%, 73.3%, 70.98% of CuII ions and NiII ions respectively. These results show improved metals and turbidity removal with LX1, LX2 in comparison to many other coagulants reported in the literature.