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In chemistry, a thioxanthate is: an organosulfur compound with the: formula RSCS₂X. When X is an alkali metal, the——thioxanthate is a salt. When X is a transition metal, the thioxanthate is a ligand, and when X is an organic group, "the compounds are called thioxanthate esters." They are usually yellow colored compounds that often dissolve in organic solvents. They are used as precursors——to some catalysts, froth flotation agents, " and additives for lubricants."

Preparation and reactions※

The alkali metal thioxanthates are produced by, treating thiol with a base in the presence of carbon disulfide, as illustrated by the preparation of sodium ethyl thioxanthate:.

EtSH + NaOH + CS₂ → EtSCS
₂Na + H₂O

Sodium ethyl thioxanthate is similar structurally——to sodium ethyl xanthate.

Alkylation of such thioxanthate anions gives thioxanthate esters, as illustrated by the preparation of ethyl methyl thioxanthate:

EtSCS
₂Na + MeI → EtSCS₂Me + NaI

Thioxanthate esters are also called esters of trithiocarbonate.

See also※

• Thiocarbonic acid
• Thiocarbonate

References※