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. It functions by selectively bonding to sulfide mineral surfaces.

This chemical enables the efficient separation of minerals from gangue material in froth flotation circuits. In base metal mining, KEX is the standard collector for sulfide ores including copper, lead, zinc, and nickel concentrates.

It drives recovery efficiency in flotation cells, ensuring high yields for mining operations. Gold and silver processing operations use it to float sulfide-associated precious metals that would otherwise report to tailings.

In industrial water treatment, KEX precipitates heavy metal ions, including copper, mercury, and lead, from process effluents as insoluble xanthate complexes. This supports compliance with environmental discharge limits.

Agrochemical formulators have also employed xanthate chemistry as a dithiocarbamate precursor in certain biocidal and soil treatment applications. The product is supplied as a yellow to pale green powder or granule.

Granular forms are often preferred for handling and storage stability in mining operations. Standard commercial grades are specified by active content, typically 90% minimum purity for industrial use.

Technical-grade material is the dominant market form for this chemical. Packaging is available in moisture-resistant bags or drums given the product's sensitivity to humidity and decomposition under storage.