Abstract: Neutral and overbased metal alkylphenate sulfides prepared by the steps of (1) reacting an alkylphenol sulfide with minor amounts of a basic material; (2) subjecting the reaction mixture of step (1) to steam sparging, carbonation, air sparging or a combination thereof; (3) reacting the product of step (2) with a metal oxide or hydroxide in the presence of an alcohol and carbon dioxide; and (4) subjecting the product of step (3) to steam sparging, carbonation, air sparging or a combination thereof, provide lower corrosiveness than conventional overbased metal alkylphenate sulfides. Fluid organic compositions such as, for example, oils and fuels which contain one or more of the present metal alkylphenate sulfides have excellent detergency and minimal corrosiveness with respect to metal surfaces.