Bis(ethylenedithio)tetraselenafulvalene: short-cut synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and π-electron density distribution

A convenient one-step reaction for the preparation of 2,3-dihydro-1,4-dithiin, 3, involved in the synthesis of the organic donor compound bis(ethylenedithio)tetraselenafulvalene (BETS), as well as the crystal structure of this donor as determined by X-ray diffraction, are presented. A qualitative insight into the π-electron density distribution is also discussed.