Sodium Ethyl Xanthate (SEX) CAS 140-90-9

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Introducing Sodium Ethyl Xanthate

Sodium ethyl xanthate, also written as sodium O-ethyldithiocarbonate or ethylxanthic acid sodium salt, is an organosulfur compound with the formula C3H5NaOS2 (molecular weight 144.19), prepared by xanthation of ethanol with sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. SEX, CAS 140-90-9, is the shortest-chain and one of the most widely used members of the xanthate collector family.

The core strength of SEX is trading broad collecting power for sharp selectivity. Compared with longer-chain xanthates, it collects more gently but distinguishes the target mineral from gangue and refractory minerals far more cleanly, which makes it the preferred reagent for easy-floating sulfide ores and for selective flotation of complex polymetallic ores - especially in flowsheets that recover the readily floatable minerals first and treat the refractory part later.

The technical product is a yellow to light-yellow powder or granular solid, readily soluble in water and hygroscopic, with a slight irritating odour. Keep it dry and sealed, away from acids and oxidising agents, and rotate stock on a first-in-first-out basis.

Why SEX Stands Out

Benchmark selectivity: the short ethyl chain gives outstanding mineral discrimination and low entrainment of gangue in selective stages.

Gentle, controllable collecting: moderate collecting power limits selectivity loss on overdosing and keeps the froth easy to read.

Easy froth control: weak frothing with brittle froth allows precise froth building with a frother.

Fast solution preparation: dissolves quickly in ambient water without residue, supporting accurate metered dosing.

Consistent specifications: active content 84%–90% with low free alkali, giving dependable batch-to-batch performance.

Multiple packing options: woven bags, steel drums and wooden cases, all customisable by agreement.

Technical Data Sheet

Product Identification

Physical and Chemical Properties

Specification Grades (for reference)

Applications & Target Ores

Selective Flotation of Complex Polymetallic Ores

In separation flowsheets for copper–lead–zinc and other complex polymetallic sulfide ores, SEX is commonly used in the selective stage: it captures the readily floatable target mineral first and interferes less with the refractory minerals downstream, paving the way for Cu–Pb and Pb–Zn separation.

Galena Preferential Flotation in Lead–Zinc Circuits

In the lead–zinc circuit, SEX with lime and sulphite-type depressants floats galena selectively while leaving sphalerite and pyrite largely uncollected, which eases the downstream zinc–sulfur split.

Easily Floatable Copper Minerals and Cu–Pb Separation

It performs well on easily floatable copper minerals such as chalcocite and bornite, and is also applied in the separation of copper–lead bulk concentrates to raise the copper concentrate grade.

Hydrometallurgy & Derived Uses

Beyond flotation, it works as a precipitation and separation agent for metal ions in hydrometallurgy, a vulcanisation accelerator for rubber, and a building block for xanthate esters.

Selection & Dosing Tips

Typical Dosing Rates

Dosage in flotation circuits typically ranges from 10 to 100 g/t of ore. Begin with a conservative dose in selective stages, then adjust step by step according to concentrate grade and losses in the tailings.

Mixing & Addition

Slowly sprinkle the powder into ambient-temperature water while stirring to prepare a 1%–10% stock solution; never add it all at once.

In selective stages, dose at low concentration at several points continuously for even distribution in the pulp.

Prepare stock solutions for same-day use wherever possible; any remainder should be stored sealed, away from light and in a cool place.

Keep the pulp alkaline during flotation (lime is the usual pH modifier); strongly acidic conditions must be avoided because they decompose the reagent.

SEX vs SBX: Key Differences at a Glance

Packing & Storage

Special specifications and packing can be arranged upon agreement.

Protect from moisture, water and direct sunlight, and keep the product dry at all times.

Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place with containers tightly sealed, away from fire and heat sources.

Do not store together with oxidising agents, acids or incompatible substances, and never combine with food, beverages or animal feed in storage or transport.

The product remains usable for roughly 12 months at ambient temperature when stored properly; use the oldest stock first.

Safety & Hazard Info

GHS Hazard Rating

Handling & Protective Measures

Ensure good ventilation on site and keep dust formation low; prefer enclosed or locally ventilated setups for charging and packing.

Put on a dust mask, protective gloves, goggles or a face shield and appropriate work clothing during operation.

Do not inhale the dust; avoid direct skin and eye contact and wash thoroughly after each handling operation.

Employ anti-static tools and avoid ignition sources; this prevents fires caused by electrostatic discharge.

First Aid Response

Inhalation: move the casualty to fresh air and let them rest in a comfortable breathing position; get medical help if they feel unwell.

Skin contact: take off any contaminated clothes and rinse the skin with plenty of soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes; consult medical help if irritation appears.

Eye contact: hold the eyelids open and flush the eyes with copious clean water for at least 15 minutes; if contact lenses are worn and can be removed easily, take them out, keep rinsing, then see a doctor.

If swallowed: rinse the mouth with water and never induce vomiting; do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious victim and call for medical help right away.

Fire & Spill Action

In case of fire: use dry powder, carbon dioxide or alcohol-resistant foam; fire crews must wear self-contained breathing apparatus.

Spill response: minimise dust, wear protective gear, sweep the material into sealed containers and keep it out of drains and waterways.

Waste disposal: comply with local legislation and environmental requirements and avoid unauthorised discharge.

Common Questions

Q1. How does ethyl xanthate differ from butyl xanthate?

The hydrocarbon chain length determines the collecting behaviour. Ethyl xanthate has the shortest chain, giving gentle collecting power and the best selectivity, which suits easy-floating sulfide ores and selective flotation of complex polymetallic ores. Butyl xanthate collects more strongly and is preferred for difficult and complex sulfide circuits.

Q2. Why is ethyl xanthate commonly used in selective flotation?

The short-chain reagent distinguishes the target mineral from gangue and hard-to-float minerals more sharply. Even when the dosage fluctuates slightly, the effect on selectivity remains manageable, which makes it a first-choice collector for selective stages.

Q3. Does the weak frothing of ethyl xanthate affect flotation?

No. The brittle froth is actually easier to observe and adjust on site. Combined with a suitable frother, a stable froth layer with adjustable thickness can be built, supporting fine control of the flotation response.

Q4. Should I choose the sodium or the potassium form?

Both forms share the same collecting performance. The potassium salt dissolves faster and supports higher-concentration stock solutions, which suits cold-water or high-concentration dosing; the sodium salt is comparatively more cost-effective. Choose according to site conditions, or keep both grades in stock.

Q5. Can packaging and technical specifications be customised?

Yes. Woven bags, steel drums and wooden cases are available as standard. Special technical specifications or packaging can be arranged in accordance with agreement.

Q6. Do you provide samples and quality documents?

Samples, COA and SDS can be supplied; the exact grade, quantity and shipping method will be confirmed before dispatch.

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