A new class of electrophilic phosphonium cations (EPCs) containing a -CF group attached to the phosphorus(v) center is readily accessible in high yields, via a scalable process. These species are stable to air, water, alcohol and strong Brønsted acid, even at raised temperatures. Thus, P-CF EPCs are more robust than previously reported EPCs containing P-X moieties (X = F, Cl, OR), and despite their reduced Lewis acidity they function as Lewis acid catalysts without requiring anhydrous reaction conditions.