This review describes historical development, synthetic methods and reactions of 1,2,4,5-tetrathianes. Publications of the period from 1887 up to mid-1989 have been evaluated. The synthetic methods are organized by four product categories. Their further classification follows the types of substrates and reagents. For the organization of the reactions initially the mechanism is considered, then the product. Approximately eighty 1,2,4,5-tetrathianes are known today showing a variety of structures. Spiro systems, substituents with double bonds to the ring, and even charged groups appear. On the other hand compounds with four substituents and without functional groups dominate. Methods for the controlled construction of asymmetrical structures or of stereoisomers are almost completely missing. The repertory for the synthesis of disubstituted compounds has been enlarged in the most recent time. As to the investigation of the reactivity a high interest for reductions and ring-size changes can be seen. The relation to thiosulfines and dithiiranes seems to be noteworthy.