Determination of Ethyl Xanthate in Aqueous Solution by High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Inductively Coupled Plasma–Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Spectrophotometry

Xanthates are commonly used collectors in flotation processes but highly toxic to the aquatic environment. However, there few methods for reliable determination of low xanthate concentrations water samples. In this work, a sensitive, selective, and fast method is presented potassium ethyl (KEX). KEX was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS/MS) directly as diethyl dixanthogen [(EX)2] after oxidation with triiodide. The HPLC optimized (EX)2 separated compounds were detected ICP-MS/MS. ICP-MS/MS mass-shift mode using O2 cell gas S+ measured SO+ reduce spectral interferences. Detection limits 88 µg L−1 20 calculated from peak area obtained 32S+ → 32S16O+. No significant matrix effects present when spiking experiments done sample collected tailings process. developed demonstrates potential HPLC-ICP-MS/MS xanthate. This may be extended analyzing other xanthates similarly structured sulfur containing collectors.