Abstract: This invention provides processes for the preparation of a compound of Formula I: Y—C(═O)—C(R1)(R2)—CH2—S(O)nR3 wherein: Y is hydroxy or XONX, where each X is independently hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower acyl; R1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R2 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, or R1 and R2 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a cycloalkyl or heterocyclo group; R3 is aryl; and n is 0, 1 or 2. The invention also provides novel aryl haloalkyl sulfide intermediates useful for the preparation of compounds of Formula I and novel methods of preparing aryl alkyl sulfides.