A new effective method is presented for the easier preparation of macrocyclics from poly(phenyl sulfide)by two steps: (1) depolymerization reaction of poly(phenyl sulfide) with Na2S in the presence of weak base, and (2) oxidation reaction of depolymerization products. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 110: 4049-4054, 2008