The present state of the synthesis of aliphatic sulfides, sulfoxides and sulfones in the presence of various catalysts is reviewed. Details of the formation of sulfides by interaction of H2S with alcohols or alkenes, disproportionation of alkanethiols and of the synthesis of a cyclic sulfide, thiolane, from tetrahydrofuran and H2S in the presence of acid-base catalysts, are discussed. Under consideration are the principles for the selection of catalysts, the effect of the reaction conditions on the direction of the transformations and the kinetics and mechanisms of the main and secondary processes. Data are given for the preparation of thiolane by reduction of thiophene with hydrogen in the presence of metals, metal complexes, and sulfide catalysts. Factors have been established which affect the activity and stability of these catalysts. A survey of studies of gas- and liquid-phase partial oxidation of aliphatic and cyclic sulfides with molecular oxygen is presented. Under consideration is also the contribution of substrate-catalyst complex formation to the catalyst activity in the formation of sulfoxides and sulfones. The mechanisms of reactions catalyzed by transition metal oxides and complexes and the factors for catalyst deactivation are discussed. Details of the catalytic hydrogenation of double bonds in unsaturated sulfoxides and sulfones are analyzed. Under comprehensive discussion is the hydrogenation of 2-and 3-thiolene 1,1-dioxides in the presence of various hydrogenation catalysts.