Potassium ethyl xanthogenate is widely used in the mining industry as a flotation agent for the extraction of sulfide ores, particularly copper, nickel, and zinc. It acts as a collector, selectively binding to the metal sulfide particles and making them hydrophobic, which allows them to attach to air bubbles and separate from the ore during the flotation process. In the rubber industry, it serves as a vulcanization accelerator, enhancing the speed and efficiency of the vulcanization process to improve the elasticity and durability of rubber products. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of certain organic compounds, where it acts as a reagent in chemical reactions. Its applications are also found in agriculture as a pesticide intermediate, contributing to the production of crop protection chemicals.