Olefins were effectively converted into the corresponding (2-methylthioalkyl)triphenylphosphonium salts by the reaction with dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium salts in the presence of triphenylphosphine. 2-Triphenylphosphonioalkyldimethylsulfonium salts, synthesized by alkylation of the corresponding methylthiophosphonium salts, react with 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene or aq NaOH to afford the corresponding