Potassium ethylxanthate

Synonym(s):Potassium xanthogenate;KEX;Potassium O-ethyl dithiocarbonate;Potassium ethylxanthogenate, Potassium xanthogenate;Potassium-O-ethyldithiocarbonate

CAS NO.：140-89-6
Empirical Formula: C3H5KOS2
Molecular Weight: 160.3
MDL number: MFCD00004931
EINECS: 205-439-3
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2025-09-25 17:15:13

What is Potassium ethylxanthate?

Chemical properties

Light Green Solid

The Uses of Potassium ethylxanthate

As reagent in analytical chemistry.

The Uses of Potassium ethylxanthate

Potassium ethyl xanthate is used as a reagent for extraction of metal ions into organic solvents and in the preparation of 2-mercapto benzimidazoles and 2-mercapto benzoxazoles by reacting with o-phenylenediamines and o-amino phenols respectively. It acts as a precursor in the production of unsymmetrical sulfides through cross-coupling reaction and as a floatation agent in the mining industry. It is involved in the determination of cadmium in water samples by substoichiometric radiochemical method and the adsorption of colloidal dye disperse Blue 3 onto pretreated polyester fabric.

The Uses of Potassium ethylxanthate

Potassium ethyl xanthogenate (ethyl potassium xanthogenate) has been used:

in synthesis of unsymmetrical sulfides via cross-coupling reaction, using recyclable CuO nanoparticles under ligand-free conditions
as surfactant to investigate the adsorption of colloidal dye Disperse Blue 3 onto pretreated polyester fabric
in determination of microgram amounts of cadmium in water samples by substoichiometric radiochemical method

Definition

Colorless or light-yellow crystals. Soluble in water and alcohol; insol- uble in ether.

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion.

Flammability and Explosibility

Highly flammable

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from absolute EtOH, ligroin/ethanol or acetone by adding Et2O. Wash it with ether, then dry it in a desiccator. Its solubility in Me2CO is 8% at 25o. [Beilstein 3 H 563, 3 I 196, 3 II 367, 3 III 1101, 3 IV 1274.]

Properties of Potassium ethylxanthate

Melting point:	209-214 °C
Boiling point:	462.37℃[at 101 325 Pa]
Density	1,558 g/cm³
vapor pressure	0Pa at 25℃
Flash point:	96°C
storage temp.	Store below +30°C.
solubility	alcohol: soluble(lit.)
form	Crystalline Powder
color	Yellow
PH	9-10 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Water Solubility	Soluble in water.
Merck	14,7696
BRN	3596974
Stability:	Stable. Incompatible with strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizing agents.
CAS DataBase Reference	140-89-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System	Potassium ethyl xanthate (140-89-6)

Safety information for Potassium ethylxanthate

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Flame Flammables GHS02 Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H228:Flammable solids H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P210:Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking. P240:Ground/bond container and receiving equipment. P301+P312:IF SWALLOWED: call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician IF you feel unwell. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.