The adsorption of ethyl, propyl and butyl xanthates on pyrite has been studied through electrokinetics, batch adsorption tests, and quantification of Fe(2+) ions in solution. Adsorption isotherms for the three alkyl xanthates indicate that their adsorption to dixanthogen produces Fe(2+) ions in solution and decreases the pyrite zeta potential negatively. It seems that the oxidation reaction of xanthates to dixanthogen on pyrite is coupled with the reduction reaction of surface-ferric hydroxide to ferrous ions, leading to the dissolution of hydrophilic ferric hydroxide and growth of hydrophobic dixanthogen on the surface of pyrite. Flotation of pyrite is presented as a function of pH using various ethyl xanthate concentrations. The floatability results are explained in terms of the surface coverage relationship between ferric hydroxide and dixanthogen, which is pH dependent. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.