The base strength and the nature of the counterions have important effects
on the synthesis of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) by base-induced isomerization
of 1,4,5,8-tetrathianaphthalene (TTN). This kind of rearrangement is also a
pplied to the synthesis of 1,4-dithiafulvenes from 1,4-dithiins. A new synt
hesis of TTN is also reported.