Inchemistry, athioxanthate is anorganosulfur 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 aligand, 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.
The alkali metal thioxanthates are produced by treating a thiol with a base in the presence ofcarbon disulfide, as illustrated by the preparation of sodium ethyl thioxanthate:.[1]
Sodium ethyl thioxanthate is similar structurally tosodium ethyl xanthate.
Alkylation of thioxanthate anions gives thioxanthate esters.[2]The preparation of ethyl methyl thioxanthate is a simple illustration:
Thioxanthate esters are also called esters oftrithiocarbonate.