Cyanomethylenetrimethylphosphorane (CMMP), a new Mitsunobu reagent developed recently by the authors, mediated the alkylation of arylmethyl phenyl sulfones with primary and secondary alcohols quite efficiently. Utilizing 3-((phenylsulfonyl) methyl) pyridine, theonelladine D, a unique pyridine alkaloid, was synthesized in excellent yield.