Abstract The nitro group, activated by a carbonyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group or a phenyl group, can be replaced by a phenylthio group in the reaction with benzenethiol or its potassium salt. This reaction proceeds in the electron transfer mechanism, and is applicable to the general syntheses of α-phenylthio ketones, α-phenylthio carboxylic esters and α-phenylthio alkylbenzenes from primary nitro compounds.