Abstract: Molybdenite has good natural flotability and hydrocarbon oils are often used as collectors for molybdenite purification and enrichment. However, as the molybdenite resources is mined and comsumed, the particle size of molybdenum ore becomes finer, the ratio of basal plane to edge plane becomes smaller and the proportion of hydrophilic edge plane increases. Due to the lack of collecting ability on the edge plane of molybdenite, the collecting ability of traditional hydrocarbon oils becomes gradually insufficient. The polar groups in polar collectors are more effectively to be adsorbed on edge plane. Therefore, the research and development of new high−efficiency polar collectors has become the focus of research. In this study, the novel collectors for molybdenite flotation are systematically reviewed, as well as the crystal structure and surface properties of molybdenite, the modification and compounding of non−polar hydrocarbon oil collectors, the efficient recovery of molybdenite by polar collectors, the synergistic effect between the combined collectors, and the emulsification of hydrocarbons oil collectors are introduced. Additionally, the action characteristics of molybdenite collectors are summarized. Non−polar basal plane and polar edge plane are exposed after the grinding of molybdenite, which can adsorb collectors. In addition, the dispersion ability of collectors in the pulp and the hydrophobic attraction with the minerals are the key factors affecting the recovery of molybdenite. The harvesting effect of hydrocarbon oil collectors can be improved by increasing their dispersion ability. By analyzing the previous research results on the mechanism of molybdenite flotation agents, the aim is to provide a reference for the efficient recovery of molybdenum resources.