A polyfluoroalkylthiomethyl compound of the formula: Rf (CH2)m-S-CH2-A in which Rf is a straight-chain or branched perfluoroalkyl radical , m is an integer from 1 to 4, and A is a hydroxyl group, a chlorine or bromine atom, an ammonium group derived from a secondary or tertiary amine, a phosphonium group, or an ionic or nonionic group -Q-(CH2)n-Z, in which Q is an oxygen or sulphur atom, n the number 0, 1 or 2, and Z an unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl radical. The compounds are used as surfactants and intermediates for synthesis of suractants. |