A composition including at least one compound of formula (I): A represents a C1-C8 alkanediyl group that may be linear, branched or cyclic. B, which can be the same or different at each occurrence, represents a C1-C8 alkanediyl group that may be linear, branched or cyclic. R represents H or a C1-C8 alkyl group that may be linear or branched. n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 100. R1 represents a C4-C20 hydrocarbyl group optionally interrupted by a carbonyl group. Use of the composition for recovering value minerals from ore and other feedstocks by flotation.