Highly functionalized tetrathiafulvalenes:: Riding along the synthetic trail from electrophilic alkynes

To date, interest on tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) has greatly increased. This review gives an updated vision of synthetic aspects in the field of the TTF chemistry. As a guideline, the central role of electrophilic alkynes in the synthesis of 1,3-dithiole and TTF systems is considered. Focus is on dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) and acetylenedicarbaldehyde (ADCA) or its monodiethylacetal (ADCA-MA). The general reactivity of electrophilic alkynes leading to 1,3-dithiole or TTF derivatives is discussed, followed by the discovery of ADCA and its synthetic applications in this field.