Using 2-[bis（alkylthio）methylene]-3-oxo-N-o-tolylbutanamides 1 as odorless thiol equivalents, an efficient and odorless synthesis of thioethers has been developed. Promoted by NaOH in EtOH, the cleavage of 1 commences to generate thiolate anions, and the generated thiolate anions then react with halides to give various thioethers in good yield. It is noteworthy that only a very faint odor ofthiols can be perceived during both the reaction and the workup.
