Abstract A new, general method for the preparation of N, N-dimethyl-N′-arylureas using S, S-dimethyl dithiocarbonate as a phosgene substitute is reported. The method has been set up according to four procedures, all including three steps:(1) reaction of S, S-dimethyl dithiocarbonate with dimethylamine to give S-methyl N, N-dimethylthiocarbamate;(2) halogenation with various halogenating reagents (chlorine, methanesulfenyl chloride, ...