Sodium Ethyl Xanthate

Q1: What are the basic specifications of Sodium Ethyl Xanthate?

A:

• Chinese Name: Sodium Ethyl Xanthate (SEX for short), CAS No.:140-90-9, Molecular formula: C3​H5​NaOS2​, Molecular weight:146.2, EC No.:205-440-9.
• Appearance: Pale yellow or beige needle crystal/powder/granule with characteristic pungent sulfur odor. It dissolves easily in water and ethanol, and is prone to hydrolysis and decomposition under hot water or high temperature. Density:1.558 g/cm³.
• Industrial standard purity: ≥82%/85%/90%, available in powder and extruded granule forms.

Q2: What are alternative names of this product?

A: Sodium Ethyl Xanthate, O-Ethyldithiocarbonate sodium, abbreviated as SEX; commonly known as Ethyl Xanthate in mineral flotation industry.

Q3: What is the main application of Sodium Ethyl Xanthate?

A:

1. Mineral flotation (dominant usage): Collector for flotation of copper sulfide ore, lead-zinc ore, gold & silver sulfide ore. It features outstanding selectivity among all xanthate products, preferred for preferential flotation of chalcopyrite and galena, widely applied in selective separation of polymetallic sulfide minerals, top-choice reagent for global copper ore processing.
2. Hydrometallurgy: Precipitant to remove heavy metal impurities from zinc/nickel electrolyte to improve purity of finished electrolytic metal.
3. Fine chemical industry: Vulcanization accelerator for rubber, intermediate for organic synthesis, partial application in pharmaceutical raw material and crop desiccant production.

Q4: What advantages does SEX have compared with Butyl Xanthate & Isoamyl Xanthate?

A: With the shortest ethyl carbon chain, SEX delivers superior flotation selectivity and lower dosing rate to obtain higher concentrate grade. Its hydrolysis stability outperforms propyl xanthate, suitable for high backwater and high-temperature flotation conditions. However, its collecting capacity is weaker than long-chain xanthates; it is perfect for cleaning stage while long-chain xanthates are more applicable for roughing concentration.

Q5: What are requirements for warehouse storage?

A:

1. Store in cool, dry and well-ventilated warehouse below 30°C. Avoid direct sunlight, moisture and rainwater, as damp environment accelerates hydrolysis, efficacy loss and unpleasant odor release.
2. Keep away from strong acid, oxidants, open fire and heat source; prohibited to store together with food or feed; dry powder fire extinguisher must be equipped inside warehouse.
3. Shelf life of intact sealed package is 6 months; use up within 1 month once unpacked.

Q6: How about land & ocean transportation classification?

A: UN number: UN3342, Class 4.2 self-heating hazardous goods, HS code:2930902000. Hazard package certificate and MSDS are mandatory for export shipment; transport only by certified dangerous goods vehicle instead of general cargo truck, forbidden mixed loading with regular goods.

Q7: What is standard dosage in mineral flotation?

A: Dosing varies based on raw ore grade: normal dosage for copper ore:50~150 g per metric ton of raw ore; lead-zinc ore:80~200 g/t; associated gold ore:30~80 g/t. Carry out gradient lab test first for optimal addition; better flotation performance when applied together with frother (No.2 pine oil).

Q8: Can agglomerated & dampened product still be used?

A: Slightly caked material can be crushed and dissolved in clean water for normal dosing. Discard severely water-soaked or sour-smelling goods (decomposed into carbon disulfide via hydrolysis), since effective content drops sharply and flotation indexes will deteriorate drastically.