Property of Xanthates

The melting points and the solubilities of several common xanthates are given by the following  

Nonpolar group CH3 C2H5 n-C3H7 1-C3H7 /1-C4H9 I-C4H9 i-CsH, 

Nonpolar group W-C3H7 1-C3H7 W-C4H9 I-C4H9 1-C5H,  

Xanthates convert rapidly to xanthic acids in water  

Xanthic acids are weak acid, and their dissociation constants had been given in Chap. 3 (Volume 1). Ethyl xanthic acid appears in the form of oil emulsion. The melting point of ethyl xanthate is —53 °C. 

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Artificial silk (viscose rayon) is spun from a viscous medium that is produced by reacting cellulose with carbon disulfide in alkali. The unusual success of this reaction prompted scientists to analyze similar reactions with starch, and indeed, starch viscose can be obtained.2134,2135 The properties of xanthates (32), mainly the degree of substitution, depend on such reaction conditions as the proportions and concentrations of reagents, and the duration and temperature of the process. Xanthation of starch using 2-3 moles of sodium hydroxide in 5-20% aqueous solutions per mole of starch and 20-25 mL of carbon disulfide per 10 g of starch is complete within 24 h of shaking at room temperature. Further studies suggested a 3-molar NaOH solution as the most suitable.2136 The temperature is a critical parameter and... 

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