This document describes an unprecedented C-methylation reaction at the 2-position of 4-chromanone-2-carboxylates using the Corey–Chaykovsky reagent (dimethylsulfoxonium methylide, DIMSOY). Treatment of various 4-chromanone-2-carboxylates with DIMSOY results in good yields of the corresponding 2-methylated products, rather than the expected epoxide formation. Computational calculations provide evidence that the reaction proceeds through cisoid addition of DIMSOY to the carbonyl, formation of a betaine intermediate, and methyl transfer to C2 via a transition state, enabled by the basic nature of DIMSO