A simple route to novel functionalized tetrathiafulvalene vinylogues

The synthesis and X-ray structural determination of vinylogous tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFV) bearing functional groups on the central conjugation are reported. An unexpected evolution of the bis hydroxymethyl TTFV leading to a derivative, which acts simultaneously as a diene and a dienophile in a Diels–Alder reaction is also described.