Xanthatic acid
# Xanthatic acid

Xanthatic acids are organosulfur compounds with the formula ROC(S)SH, where R is an organic substituent. The parent xanthic acid, with the formula HOC(S)SH, is not readily available, but the organic derivatives are well characterized. They are prepared by treating alkali metal xanthates, e.g. potassium ethyl xanthate, with hydrochloric acid at low temperatures. The methyl and ethyl xanthic acids are soluble in organic solvents. Benzyl xanthic acid is a solid. They have pKas near 2. These compounds thermally decompose in the presence of base to the alcohol and carbon disulfide.

