Ethylthiocyanate is an ideal selective collector for flotation of Cu, Pb, Zn, Sb and other metal sulfides, and its usage is less than xanthate and black medicine. Its mineral processing index is better than xanthate and black medicine when selecting polymetallic sulfide ores. It is used for purification in metal smelting and as an accelerator in the rubber industry.

Ethylthiocyanate is a white or light gray loose crystal with a slight fishy smell. It is easily soluble in water and alkaline. It absorbs moisture in the air and gradually decomposes. When it encounters acid, it decomposes into carbon disulfide, diethylamine, etc.