Synthesis of sulfonium ion mimics 16 and 16 of the carbocationic intermediates 3 and 7, respectively, presumed to be involved in the squalene synthetase catalyzed rearrangement of farnesyl pyrophosphate (l), is reported. Synthesis of 15 involved combination of homogeranyl sulfide with ethyl a-bromoacetate through use of the thallium salt or via the combination of the copper enolate of ethyl acetate and homogeranyl thiosulfonate. ...