Final answer:
Methylation can be achieved by using methyl iodide as a methylating agent in a substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Methylation, which is the transfer of a methyl group, can be accomplished via an SN2 (substitution nucleophilic bimolecular) process using methyl iodide (CH3I) as a methylating agent. In this process, a nucleophile attacks the carbon atom in methyl iodide, displacing the iodide ion as a leaving group and resulting in the transfer of the methyl group.
For example, in an O-methylation reaction, the oxygen atom of an alcohol can act as a nucleophile and substitute the iodide ion in methyl iodide. This type of mechanism is typical of primary alkyl halide substitutions.