An alpha-CF3-carbenium ion stabilized by a bimetallic [Co-Co] cluster was p
repared and isolated in good yield, starting from the corresponding alcohol
by action of HBF4/Et2O. C-N and C-C bonds with nitrogen and carbon nucleop
friles could be easily formed. Subsequent decomplexation gave the free subs
tituted beta-CF3 alkynes in good yields.