The synthesis of new pi-electron donors of tetrathiafulvalene family with hydroxy functionality is described through the reduction of ester group(s) in tetrakis(methoxycarbonyl)tetrathiafulvalene 1 and its vinylogous analogue 7 by using NaBH4 and LiCl in a mixed solvent of THF and CH,OH. These new pi-donors have been studied electrochemically and spectroscopically. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.