Preparation and characterization of [CF3SO3(SiMe3)(2)](+)[B(C6F5)(4)](-)

Using tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, [B(C6F5)(4)](-), as weakly coordinating counterion, the bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoromethyl-sulfonium cation, [CF3SO3(Me3Si)(2)](+), is readily isolated for X-ray, NMR and IR structural characterization.