Trimethylsulfoxonium iodide explained

Trimethylsulfoxonium iodide is a sulfoxonium salt. It is used to generate dimethyloxosulfonium methylide by reaction with sodium hydride. The latter compound is used as a methylene-transfer reagent, and is used to prepare epoxides.

This compound is commercially available. It may be prepared by the reaction of dimethyl sulfoxide and iodomethane:^[1]

(CH₃)₂SO + CH₃I → (CH₃)₃SO⁺I^-

References

1. 10.1021/ed062p267 . Phosphorus and sulfur ylide formation: Preparation of 1-benzoyl-2-phenylcyclopropane and 1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene by phase transfer catalysis . 1985 . Lampman . Gary M. . Koops . Roger W. . Olden . Caroline C. . . 62 . 267 . 3. 1985JChEd..62..267L .