MPP+ can be readily synthesized in the laboratory, with Zhang and colleagues publishing a representative synthesis in 2017.[8] The synthesis involves reacting 4-phenylpyridine with methyl iodide in acetonitrile solvent at reflux for 24 hours.[8] An inert atmosphere is used to ensure a quantitative yield.[8] The product is formed as the iodide salt, and the reaction proceeds via an SN2 pathway.[8] The industrial synthesis of MPP+ for sale as the herbicide cyperquat used methyl chloride as the source of the methyl group.