Dixanthogen disulfide
# Dixanthogen disulfide

    Structure of diethyl dixanthogen disulfide.

Dixanthogen disulfides are a class of organosulfur compounds with the formula $(ROC(S)S)_2.$ Usually yellow solids, they are the product of the oxidation of xanthate salts. A common derivative is diethyl dixanthogen disulfide. Diisopropyl dixanthogen disulfide is commercially available. They are structurally related to thiuram disulfides.

## Uses and reactions

Diethyl dixanthogen disulfide is a component for froth flotations used, inter alia, for the separation of sulfide minerals like pyrrhotite. Diisopropyl dixanthogen disulfide is a reagent in the synthesis of sulfur heterocycles.

Dialkoxy dixanthogen disulfides undergo desulfurization by cyanide to give bis(alkoxythiocarbonyl)sulfides:

    $(ROC(S)S)_2$ + $CN^−$ → $(ROC(S))_2S$ + $SCN^−$

Dixanthogens are also ectoparasiticides.

