Sodium Ethyl Xanthate – High-Purity Collector | Mineral Flotation & Mining Reagent

Sodium Ethyl Xanthate (C₂H₅OCSSNa) is a water-soluble, anionic collector widely used in the froth flotation of sulfide minerals. It belongs to the xanthate family of collectors — salts of xanthic acids — and is one of the most selective collectors for copper, lead, zinc, and pyrite ores. The ethyl group provides excellent selectivity for copper and lead sulfides over iron sulfides, making it the preferred collector in complex polymetallic ore bodies.

Moon Bright Resources supplies high-purity sodium ethyl xanthate in flake or powder form, manufactured under controlled conditions to ensure consistent activity and selectivity. Our product delivers 90% minimum purity (typical 90-92%) with controlled levels of free alkali (≤0.5%), moisture (≤8%), and by-product xanthides. It is readily soluble in water, producing a strong collecting action with good froth stability. We offer flexible packaging in 50 kg, 120 kg, and 150 kg drums, with full documentation including Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheets.

Characteristics & Specifications

Xanthate Collector Comparison

Applications

• Mineral Flotation (Primary Application): Selective collector for copper, lead, and complex polymetallic sulfide ores

• Copper Flotation: Excellent selectivity for chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) over pyrite (FeS₂)

• Lead Flotation: Effective collector for galena (PbS)

• Zinc Flotation: Used in combination with activators for sphalerite (ZnS) recovery

• Pyrite Depression: Can be controlled with pH modifiers to depress pyrite while floating valuable minerals

• Laboratory Testing: Flotation test work and mineral processing research

Typical Flotation Conditions

Packaging Options

Standard Packaging (UN Certified for Hazardous Goods)

• 50 kg steel drum with polyethylene inner liner

• 120 kg steel drum

• 150 kg fiber drum

• Custom bulk packaging available for large mining customers

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between sodium ethyl xanthate and sodium isopropyl xanthate?
A1: The difference lies in the alkyl chain length and resulting flotation properties. Sodium ethyl xanthate (SEX) has a shorter ethyl chain, offering higher selectivity for copper and lead sulfides while rejecting pyrite — ideal for complex ores requiring clean separation. Sodium isopropyl xanthate (SIPX) has a slightly longer chain, providing stronger collecting power but slightly lower selectivity — better for bulk flotation where maximum recovery is prioritized over selectivity. For most copper and lead operations, SEX is preferred; for copper-zinc or bulk sulfide flotation, SIPX or SIBX may be more suitable.

Q2: How should sodium ethyl xanthate be stored and handled?
A2: SEX is flammable (self-heating) and decomposes when exposed to moisture, heat, or acids. Store in original sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. Keep away from acids (generates toxic carbon disulfide gas) and strong oxidizers. Ideal storage temperature is below 30°C with relative humidity below 50%. Shelf life is 6-12 months — decomposition reduces active content over time. Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and dust mask. Avoid generating dust. We provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) with every shipment.

Q3: Do you offer OEM / private label packaging?
A3: Yes, Moon Bright Resources provides full OEM services for sodium ethyl xanthate. We can package under your brand name with custom-printed drums (50 kg, 120 kg, 150 kg), custom purity specifications (90-95%), and dedicated batch traceability. Minimum OEM order quantity is 10 metric tons. We also offer custom labeling with multilingual safety warnings and tamper-evident seals.

Q4: What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A4: MOQ is 50 kg (one drum) for sample orders, 500 kg for small commercial orders, and 10 metric tons for wholesale pricing. Bulk orders of 20 metric tons or more (full container) qualify for discounted rates. For OEM private label orders, MOQ is 10 metric tons. Full container load is typically 18-20 metric tons depending on drum size.

Q5: What is the shelf life of sodium ethyl xanthate?
A5: SEX is not stable indefinitely — it decomposes over time, especially when exposed to moisture, heat, or air. Typical shelf life is 6-12 months when stored properly in original sealed containers under cool, dry conditions (<30°C, <50% humidity). Decomposition results in reduced active content (purity) and decreased flotation performance. We recommend rotating stock and using within 6 months of receipt for optimal results. For long-term storage, consider vacuum-sealed packaging or refrigerated storage. We print manufacturing and expiry dates on all containers.