Sodium ethyl xanthogenate

Application

Sodium ethyl xanthate plays a crucial role in the flotation process, particularly within the mining industry. It is commonly used to extract various metals, including gold, copper, lead, and zinc. During flotation, sodium ethyl xanthate acts as a collector, meaning it binds to the surface of specific mineral particles, rendering them hydrophobic. This property enables these particles to selectively attach to bubbles within the flotation cell, causing them to rise to the surface and separate from the rest of the ore. Utilizing sodium ethyl xanthate in this context enhances mineral separation efficiency, thereby increasing the yield of valuable metals extracted from the ore.