The first general procedures for preparation of thiol end-capped stilbenes and oligo (phenylenevinylene) s (OPVs) with tert-butyl-and acetyl-protected thiol termini have been developed. These reactions proceed via Br/Li exchange, McMurry, and Wittig-type reactions. The thiol functionality is protected against strong basic and acidic reaction conditions as at- Bu sulfide. As a key point in the method, reprotection of the thiol group is accomplished by ...