Disclosed are compounds having one of the following formulae: wherein X is an aromatic nucleophilic substitution leaving group; R1 is hydrogen, an alkyl group, or an aryl group; and Q1 is a carboxyl protecting group or an aldehyde protecting group. Also disclosed are fused thiophenes that can be prepared using these compounds, as well as stannylthio-containing thiophene, thienothiophene, and dithienothiophene compounds that can be used to prepare fused thiophenes. Methods for making and using the aforementioned compounds, fused thiophenes, and stannylthio-containing thiophene, thienothiophene, and dithienothiophene compounds are also disclosed.