None of the reactions requires column chromatography for purification and the work load is generally low. For the synthesis of the precursor 2b, an alternative procedure is available, which may be preferred on a smaller scale. Both 3a and 3b form solvates when recrystallized from 1,4-dioxane, but the solvent can be removed easily. The developed synthetic routes greatly facilitate the exploration of tetrones 3a and 3b in devices and in the synthesis of πconjugated small molecules and polymers.