Compositions containing surfactant compounds according to formula (I) ROCH.sub.2CH(OH)CR.sub.1R.sub.2ZCR.sub.1R.sub.2CH(OH)CH.sub.2OR, (I) wherein Z is S, SO, or SO.sub.2, can have a range of equilibrium and/or dynamic surface tensions and a range of foaming performance attributes, depending upon the particular values of Z, R, R.sub.1, and R.sub.2. The compounds of formula (I) may be prepared by a process that includes reaction of a sulfide source such as a metal sulfide or bisulfide with an alkyl glycidyl ether. The compounds may be useful in any of a broad range of applications requiring the use of a surfactant.