Methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide is the principal precursor to methylenetriphenylphosphorane, a useful methylenating reagent. This conversion is achieved by treating methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide with strong base.
Methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide is the organophosphorus compound with the formula [(C6H5)3PCH3]Br. It is the bromide salt of a phosphonium cation. It is a white salt that is soluble in polar organic solvents.
Methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide is produced by treating triphenylphosphine with methyl bromide