New synthetic capabilities of sulfonium salts

The review summarizes published data on the synthesis and reactivity of new functionally substituted sulfonium salts: dimethyl(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, dimethyl(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, various disulfonium dications, dimethyl sulfide-sulfur trioxide complex, acyl(dimethyl)sulfonium salts, dimethyl(trifluoroacetyl)sulfonium salts, and boron trifluoride complexes with alkylthio-substituted acyl fluorides as intramolecular analogs of acylsulfonium salts. A theoretical approach is described, which explains electrophilic reactivity of sulfonium salts.