Research on the flotation efficiency of alcohol/ether alcohol frothers for common collectors: Insight of molecular dynamics simulations

•MD combined with flotation was used to analyze from the micro and macro levels.•Frothers had weak hydrogen bond with coal surface, and CHO system was stronger than OCT system.•Frothers promoted the adsorption of dodecane on coal surface, the synergistic effect of CHO was better.•Excessive frother would reduce the hydrophobicity of the coal surface.•The flotation results showed that the CHO system can obtain better flotation effect at a lower dosage.