“…Heavy metal salts of xantic acid (the O-ester of carbonodithionic acid) M(SSCOR) n , where M is a metal cation, R is an alkyl group, and n = 1, 2, or 3, are utilized in the production of cellulose, rubber, pesticides, lubricants, and so forth, for example. − Xanthates of lead and transition metals are prospective precursors to nanoparticles and films of metal sulfides, allowing a low-temperature, between 100 and 200 °C, in situ preparation of nanoparticulate sulfides within the polymer matrix for photovoltaics, sensors, and so forth. − Xanthates have been proposed as capping ligands in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles and self-assembled monolayers alternative to thiols. − Xanthates of alkali metals are widely used for the precipitation and separation of heavy metals in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, water treatment, analytical practice, ,, and, first of all, as collectors in froth flotation of metal sulfide ores . Water-insoluble xanthates of lead, copper, and some other metals likely emerge as colloidal or surface species in the reaction between the xanthate collector and aqueous cations in the flotation slurries, and their interaction with mineral surfaces is important for understanding the flotation mechanisms and performance. − The ultrafine xanthate entities are also possible carriers of lead and heavy metals in wastewaters and natural surface waters, along with metal sulfide colloids − or as their precursors. It was demonstrated , that the yield of sulfide mineral ultrafines in the mineral processing is not negligible, and their total amounts can be very significant because of large volumes of the ores; moreover, the concentrations of Pb-bearing colloids in environmental waters can be higher than that of aqueous lead ions. − …”