Process for preparing organo-sulfonium halides

Abstract

Disclosed is a process for preparing organo-sulfonium halide of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is an halide, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of: alkyl having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, inclusive; allyl having 2 to 24 carbon atoms, inclusive; alkenyl having 2 to 24 carbon atoms, inclusive; alkynyl having 2 to 24 carbon atoms, inclusive; aryl having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, inclusive; and wherein said alkyl, allyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and aryl are optionally substituted with a group that is inert to organo-sulfides comprising: reacting an alcohol, e.g. methanol, with an halide derivative which when reacted with an organo-sulfide forms an organo-sulfonium halide, e.g., thionyl halide, sulfuryl halide and carbonyl halide; and then adding an organo-sulfide, e.g., dimethyl sulfide, to the above reaction mixture with agitation while allowing the gas formed to be eliminated so that the organo-sulfonium halide, e.g., trimethyl sulfonium halide, is formed. This process can take place in the presence of an insert solvent, e.g., methylene chloride.