Xanthates are salts (usually potassium or sodium) of a xanthic acid. It is yellow powder or pelletized solids in form and is hygroscopic and has an unpleasant odour. Soluble in water. Xanthate salts are produced by alcohol reacting with sodium or potassium hydroxide and carbon disulphide. Used in the production of cellophane and related polymers from cellulose and also in mining for extraction of certain ores, i.e collector agents in the flotation of sulphide minerals, metallic elements (e.g. copper, silver, gold) and some oxidised minerals of lead and copper.
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