The photolysis of electron-rich aryl nonaflates (ArONfs) in protic media was investigated and heterolysis of the ArâOS bond (from 3ArONf) took place. The reaction generated a triplet phenyl cation that added to Ï-bond nucleophiles. This metal-free arylation method was made further useful by adopting in situ preparation of ArONf from the corresponding phenol.