Potassium ethylxanthate

Potassium ethylxanthate (CAS 140-89-6), commonly known as KEX, is a xanthate collector salt used primarily in mineral flotation and selective metal recovery.

Where is Potassium ethylxanthate used?

• Base metal mining: standard collector for sulfide ores including copper, lead, zinc, and nickel concentrates
• Gold and silver processing: floats sulfide-associated precious metals that would otherwise report to tailings
• Industrial water treatment: precipitates heavy metal ions, including copper, mercury, and lead, from process effluents as insoluble xanthate complexes
• Agrochemicals: dithiocarbamate precursor in certain biocidal and soil treatment applications
• It selectively bonds to sulfide mineral surfaces.

Good to know: Sensitive to humidity; decomposes under storage. Standard commercial grades are specified by active content, typically 90% minimum purity for industrial use.

Commercial specifications

• Active content: typically 90% minimum purity for industrial use
• Moisture-resistant bags or drums