A novel quaternary ammonium surfactant (M-302) containing ester bonds and hydrocarbon tails was synthesized. The first use of M-302 as a collector for reverse cationic flotation of silicates from a Chinese magnetite iron ore was reported in this study. The study revealed that efficiency of classification was highest in the presence of 0.159 mmol/L M-302 and 300 g/t alkaline starch, at neutral pH. M-302 presents significant selectivity for silicates. Moreover, the collector concentration effect of M-302 was studied by flotation response of magnetite as functions of the depressant dosage, temperature and pulp pH to comparatively investigate the collecting ability with dodecylamine chloride. The results showed that M-302 demonstrates a stronger collecting power than dodecylamine chloride. The comparative experiments between M-302 and dodecylamine chloride on their foam stability and biodegradation properties were also conducted. Besides, by the measurement of zeta potentials, the results show that M-302 is preferred to adsorb on the surface of quartz. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.