Compounds according to formula (I) ##STR00001## wherein Z is S, SO, or SO.sub.2, may be prepared by a process that includes charging to a reactor hydrogen sulfide and an alkyl glycidyl ether according to formula (III), in the presence of a base. ##STR00002## The compounds may also be prepared by contacting an alkoxychlorohydrin according to formula (II) with a sulfide source ##STR00003##