Formation of synthetically relevant CF 3 -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 3 -substituted dihydrostilbenes of interest.