Polyfunctional mercaptoalkyl-substituted aryl compounds, one and two-part adhesive compositions including the compounds, and methods of making and using the compounds are disclosed. The compounds include one or more aromatic rings, wherein at least one, and in one embodiment, only one aromatic ring is substituted with at least one alkylthio group and at least one oxyalkylthio group, and preferably do not include hydrolyzable linkages. The aromatic nucleus can provide the cured products with higher glass transition temperatures (T.sub.g 's) than are available from most commercially available polymercaptans. The adhesive systems include an epoxy resin or other compounds such as terminal olefins which are known to react with thiols (polymerizable material). Preferably, the compounds are used in combination with amine curatives as a two-component curing system for epoxy resins. Such a composition provides a two-stage cure which enables very quick achievement of bonded parts with handleable strength at room temperature or below, or with relatively low bake temperatures. The materials can be used for coatings, adhesives, sealants, potting compounds, and the like.