This invention provides an efficient method for synthesizing trithiocarbonate RAFT agents, RSC(S)SR', that can be used in the living polymerization of methacrylates and other olefinic monomers. This invention also provides an efficient method of synthesizing bis(alkylsulfanylthiocarbonyl) disulfides that are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of trithiocarbonate RAFT agents.