Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 2,2'-bis(4-substituted phenol)sulfides which comprises reacting a 4-substituted phenol with sulfur dichloride in a hydrocarbon solvent at a temperature of from -10.degree. to 40.degree. C. in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst. For example, 2,2'-bis(4-cumylphenol)-sulfide, i.e. 2,2'-bis(4-.alpha.,.alpha.-dimethyl benzyl-phenol)monosulfide, which is a novel compound can be prepared by reacting 4-cumylphenol with sulfur dichloride in benzene at a temperature of from 0.degree.to 10.degree. C. in the presence of zinc chloride.