Formation of synthetically relevant CF3-substituted phenonium ions in superacid media

Predestined to be transient theoretical species, phenonium ions can now be considered as cationic intermediates of choice in organic synthesis. Here, we demonstrate that under non-nucleophilic and superacidic conditions, CF 3-substituted phenonium ions can be generated to furnish original CF 3substituted dihydrostilbenes of interest.