The compound represented by HS-R-O-R-S-R'' wherein each R is selected from saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and R'' is selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl and alkaryl radicals having 8 to 20 carbon atoms, is prepared by the reaction of a dimercaptan with a monoolefin. The compounds have utility with paints, sealing compounds and silver or copper polish compositions. A preferred compound, 3-mercaptopropyl 3-(t-dodecylthio)propyl ether, is a very effective tarnish inhibitor for silver.