Process for preparing thioesters

A process for the preparation of thioesters having the formula ##STR10## wherein R represents 2-oxo-3-benzothiazolinylmethyl;

• phenoxymethyl wherein said phenyl ring is substituted by two chloro radicals;
• or phenyl substituted by three radicals independently selected from the group consisting of chloro and methoxy;
• R' represents methyl, ethyl or benzyl as the principal product which consists essentially of reacting in an inert solvent an acid chloride having the formula ##STR11## with a xanthate having the formula ##STR12##