Sodium ethyl xanthate (SEX) is a short-chain xanthate collector prized for its strong selectivity in complex sulfide flotation. With the shortest alkyl chain of the commercial xanthates, it provides the gentlest collecting action, which makes it the first-choice reagent for selective flotation where concentrate grade matters more than raw recovery.
Chemistry and Specification
Sodium ethyl xanthate (formula C2H5OCSSNa) is produced from ethanol, carbon disulfide and caustic soda. It is a yellowish powder or pellet with a pungent odour, soluble in water and alcohol. The product conforms to standard YS/T 268-2003 with an active content of at least 90.0% in pellet form, free alkali below 0.2% and moisture and volatiles below 4.0%.
Sodium ethyl xanthate product page at Shanghai Minglan Chemical lists the full specification table and packaging options, including drum and bag options for sea freight.
Why Selectivity Matters for SEX Users
The flotation behaviour of xanthates is governed by the chain length of the alkyl group. Ethyl xanthate has the weakest collecting power but the highest selectivity of the common xanthates. In practice this means:
- Copper and lead sulfide ores: SEX floats chalcopyrite and galena with excellent discrimination against pyrite, reducing the need for heavy depressant additions.
- Zinc circuits: in differential flotation, SEX is often used ahead of stronger collectors to float lead first, leaving zinc for activation with copper sulfate and a longer-chain xanthate.
- Gold and silver bearing ores: SEX is effective on native gold and silver sulfides, frequently combined with dithiophosphate collectors for precious metal recovery.
Dosage and Blending Practice
Typical SEX dosage ranges from 10 to 60 g/t depending on ore type, pulp pH and residence time. It is commonly added as a 5-10% solution in stages. Because it hydrolyses faster than longer-chain xanthates, prepare solutions fresh and avoid storage in humid conditions. When selectivity must be combined with strong collecting power, plants frequently blend SEX with sodium butyl xanthate or a dithiophosphate.
Buying SEX from a Reliable Supplier
Minglan Chemical is a professional flotation reagent manufacturer supplying SEX in pellet and powder grades with batch certificates. Request a sample, verify the YS/T 268-2003 test report, and confirm the packaging and lead time before placing a container order. Contact info@minglanchem.com for a quotation.