Specialty Additives Available — Bulk Only

Potassium Ethyl Xanthate (PEX)

PEX
CAS 140-90-9 · Formula C3H5NaOS2 · MW 144.20 g/mol

A short-chain xanthate flotation collector and analytical reagent for sulfide-mineral processing. It is used as a collector in the froth flotation of sulfide minerals and as a reagent in analytical chemistry.

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UN Number
UN 3342
Hazard Class
Class 4.2
HS Code
2930.90
At a Glance
Material Family
Specialty Additives
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Wetting
Functional Roles
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Froth flotation: Collector for sulfide-mineral recovery
  • Ore concentration: Selective flotation reagent in mineral processing
  • Analytical reagent: Reagent in analytical chemistry
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 4.2 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 3342
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 4.2
Packing GroupII
Proper Shipping NameXanthates

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2930 . 90
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.30
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2930.90
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
140-90-9
Molecular Formula
C3H5NaOS2
Molecular Weight
144.20 g/mol
IUPAC Name
sodium ethoxymethanedithioate
PubChem CID
InChI Key
RZFBEFUNINJXRQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Synonyms & Trade Names
SODIUM ETHYLXANTHATE Carbonodithioic acid, O-ethyl ester, sodium salt (1:1) Sodium O-ethyl dithiocarbonate Carbonodithioic acid, O-ethyl ester, sodium salt Sodium ethylxanthogenate sodium o-ethyl carbonodithioate Ethylxanthic Acid Sodium Salt sodium;ethoxymethanedithioate sodium xanthate SODIUM ETHYL XANTHATE Sodium Xanthogenate Sodium Ethylxanthate (~90%) SEX C3H5NaOS2
Full Description

Potassium ethyl xanthate (CAS 140-90-9) is the potassium salt of ethyl xanthic acid, an O-ethyl dithiocarbonate. It is used as a collector in the froth flotation of sulfide minerals and as a reagent in analytical chemistry. It is supplied to mineral-processing operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is potassium ethyl xanthate used for?

Potassium ethyl xanthate (PEX, CAS 140-90-9) is used primarily as a collector reagent in the froth flotation of sulfide minerals, enabling selective recovery and concentration of ores. It also serves as a reagent in analytical chemistry. It is supplied directly to mineral-processing operations.

Is potassium ethyl xanthate a salt?

Yes. It is the potassium salt of ethyl xanthic acid — an O-ethyl dithiocarbonate. It is also referred to as potassium O-ethyl dithiocarbonate.

Is potassium ethyl xanthate soluble in water?

Yes, potassium ethyl xanthate is water-soluble, which is why it is dosed as an aqueous solution in flotation circuits. Xanthate solutions are typically prepared fresh because they degrade over time; consult the SDS and technical data sheet for handling and storage guidance.

What form is potassium ethyl xanthate supplied in?

It is commonly supplied as a powder or pellet for dissolution at the plant, and also referred to as potassium O-ethyl dithiocarbonate. We provide a Certificate of Analysis per lot; it classifies under HS 2930.90 (organo-sulfur compounds, other).

What is the cost of bulk potassium ethyl xanthate?

Bulk pricing depends on grade, packaging, and volume. Submit a quote request with your target quantity and we will return current pricing plus the SDS and CoA; we do not publish fixed prices.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.