Alkyl sulfates are derivatives of sulfuric acid in which one hydrogen atom has been
replaced by a hydrocarbon radical. If the remaining hydrogen is connected directly with
the carbon radical, then these collectors are called sulfoacids and their salts sulfonates
(R–CH2–SO3H). If the carbon radical is connected with sulfur by an oxygen bridge, the
compounds are called alkyl sulfate salts. Sodium alkyl sulfates are generally used as flotation
reagents. The newest modification of the same group of collectors is alkane sulfonate.
Alkyl sulfates are suitable for flotation of barite (BaSO4) and other sulfur-containing minerals
including celestite (SrSO4), kainite (KCl·MgSO4·3H2O), gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) and
anhydrite (CaSO4). Because alkyl sulfates can act as emulsifiers, they are also used as a
mixture with tall oil fatty acids to improve collecting power and, in some cases, reduce
over frothing. Very little basic research has been carried out with these collectors and,
therefore, the application of these collectors in industrial practice is limited.
