What is the reaction mechanism of Trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate?

Studies on the mechanism of isomerisation of permethylated methyl d-glycopyranosides catalysed by Trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate have shown that both cyclic and acyclic carbonyl ions appear to be intermediates in the isomerisation. The former appears to be a key intermediate in the formation of pyridine-type compounds as well as in the isomerisation of the α-glycosidic bond. On the other hand, the β-glycosidic bond seems to be isomerised mainly via acyclic carbonyl ions.