[1] Compared to methenium (the simplest carbenium ion), trifluoromethyl cation is more stable due to the presence of fluorine atoms.

The overlap is effective due to the size of fluorine's p orbital in the molecule.

[2] While electron-donating fluorine lone pairs are present, it does not exist as its own.

[clarification needed] The production of a CF+3 cation has been described as "extremely hard".

Now the reaction of the source of the cation[clarification needed] usually uses 5-(trifluoromethyl)dibenzothiophenium tetrafluoroborate as the reagent.