A photoacid generator compound has the formula (I): [A-(CHR1)p]k-(L)-(CH2)m—(C(R2)2)nSO3−Z+  (I) wherein A is a substituted or unsubstituted, monocyclic, polycyclic, or fused polycyclic C5 or greater cycloaliphatic group optionally comprising O, S, N, F, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, R1 is H, a single bond, or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-30 alkyl group, wherein when R1 is a single bond, R1 is covalently bonded to a carbon atom of A, each R2 is independently H, F, or C1-4 fluoroalkyl, wherein at least one R2 is not hydrogen, L is a linking group comprising a sulfonate group, a sulfonamide group, or a C1-30 sulfonate or sulfonamide-containing group, Z is an organic or inorganic cation, p is an integer of 0 to 10, k is 1 or 2, m is an integer of 0 or greater, and n is an integer of 1 or greater. A precursor compound to the photoacid generator, a photoresist composition including the photoacid generator, and a substrate coated with the photoresist composition, are also disclosed.