Vinylogous acyl nonaflates, like the corresponding triflates, are subject to nucleophile-triggered
               fragmentation as part of a tandem process for generating functionalized alkynes. Advantages
               to the use of nonaflates in lieu of triflates include cost and stability. Computational
               analysis supports a postulated fragmentation mechanism involving a closed (cyclic)
               transition state with concerted extrusion of lithium sulfonate.
            
         Key words
alkynes - fragmentation - nucleophilic addition - solvent effects - tandem reaction