A new method for the preparation of S-trityl-(i.e. triphenylmethyl) and S-diphenylmethyl-cysteines or -cysteine peptides involves treatment of cysteine or cysteine peptides with aralkylcarbinols in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid or hydrogen halides in acetic acid solution. The optimal conditions for the removal of these S-protecting aralkyl groups by trifluoroacetic acid or hydrogen halides in acetic acid solution under various conditions have been determined.