· Xanthate Appliion in Copper Froth Flotation. In the flotation process of copper ore, xanthate mainly reacts with Cu2+. Therefore, when processing minerals containing more Cu2+ on the surface, the effect of xanthate is stronger, and the order of its action is: Cu2S > CuS > Cu5FeS4 > CuFeS2. 4. Xanthate Appliion in Galena Froth Flotation.