Diethyl dixanthogen disulfide is the organosulfur compound with the formula (C2H5OC(S)S)2. It is one of the most common dixanthogen disulfides, compounds of the type (ROC(S)S)2 (R = alkyl). A yellow solid, It is obtained by oxidation of sodium ethylxanthate or potassium ethylxanthate.[2][3]
According to X-ray crystallography, the two C2H5OC(S)S) groups in solid diethyl dixanthogen disulfide are planar and are linked by a disulfide bond. The C-S-S-C dihedral angle is near 90°, as is common for acyclic disulfides.[1]
Diethylxanthogen reacts with aqueous base to regenerate the xanthate, at least partially.[4]
Diethylxanthogen arises by oxidation of xanthates during froth flotation. Diethylxanthogens are thought to participate in the flotation of certain sulfide minerals.[5]