Process for the preparation of phosphorodichloridothiolates

A process for preparing a phosphorodichloridothiolate of the formula ##STR4## wherein R is a. a (C.sub.1 -C.sub.10) alkyl group, optionally substituted with a (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkoxy group, a (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) alkylthio group or a halogen atom;

• b. a (C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 )cycloalkyl group;
• c. a (C.sub.7 -C.sub.10) aralkyl group, optionally substituted with up to three (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5) alkyl groups, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5) alkoxy groups, halogen atoms, or nitro groups;
• or
• d. a (C.sub.6 -C.sub.10) aryl group, optionally substituted with up to three (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5) alkyl groups, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5) alkoxy groups, halogen atoms or nitro groups;
• which comprises reacting at a temperature of about -20.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C., a sulfenyl chloride of the formula
• R--S--Cl
• wherein R is as defined above,
• with phosphorus trichloride, and water or a carboxylic acid.