A sulfonium salt having a triphenylsulfonium cation and a sulfite anion within the molecule is best suited as a photoacid generator in chemically amplified resist compositions. Upon exposure to high-energy radiation, the sulfonium salt generates a sulfonic acid, which facilitates efficient scission of acid labile groups in chemically amplified positive resist compositions. Because of substantial non-volatility under high vacuum conditions in the EB or EUV lithography, the risk of the exposure tool being contaminated is minimized.