Which of the following can be used as a stabilizer during ore concentration?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Aniline
In the froth flotation method of concentrating sulphide ores, two kinds of additives are used:
Collectors (pine oils, fatty acids, xanthates) make the ore particles non-wettable so that they stick to the air bubbles.
Froth stabilisers (cresols, aniline) keep the froth stable so that it can be skimmed off with the ore.
Depressants such as NaCN keep one sulphide (e.g. ZnS) out of the froth so that two ores can be separated.
Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic is not there in the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it is also out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.
NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Froth Floatation Method – “… Collectors (e.g., pine oils, fatty acids, xanthates, etc.) enhance non-wettability of the mineral particles and froth stabilisers (e.g., cresols, aniline) stabilise the froth.”