The synthesis of 1,2-bis(2-thioxo-2,3-dihydrothiazol-3-yl)benzenes and
2-bis(2-selenoxo-2,3-dihydrothiazol-3-yl)benzenes, precursors of quas
i-planar dithiadiazafulvalenes, is described. Functionalisation of the
se derivatives via lithiation is also reported.