Improved synthesis and crystal structure of tetrakis(benzoylthio)tetrathiafulvalene. A useful precursor to functionalised bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene derivatives

A simple one-step procedure is reported for the preparation of tetrakis(benzoylthio)tetrathiafulvalene (2) using octacarbonyldicobalt. The crystal structure of 2 is discussed and the preparation of some charge-transfer salts of 2 and their electrical conductivity has been determined. The use of 2 as a synthon for functionalised bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene derivatives is described.