trans-1,2-Bis(2-pyrrolyl)ethenes (e.g. 18−20) are prepared by McMurry-type reductive coupling of the corresponding 2-formylpyrroles. The isomeric 1,1-bis(2-pyrrolyl)ethenes (e.g. 24) are prepared as a minor byproduct in the reaction of 2-unsubstituted pyrroles (e.g. 22) with acetic anhydride under Friedel−Crafts conditions; the major product, as expected is the 2-acetylpyrrole 23. However, 5-(chloromethyl)dipyrromethanes (e.g. 35) can be obtained in high yield by reaction of 2-unsubstituted pyrroles 22 with chloroacetaldehyde diethyl acetal. Base-catalyzed elimination of HCl from 35 affords the 1,1-bis(2-pyrrolyl)ethene 24 along with the trans- and cis-1,2-bis(2-pyrrolyl)ethenes 18 and 36, respectively. Conditions are optimized to afford a 66% yield of the 1,1-bis(2-pyrrolyl)ethene 24. In neutral organic solvents, 1,1-bis(2-pyrrolyl)ethenes exist in the ethene tautomeric form 2, rather than as the corresponding 5-methyldipyrromethene isomer 3; however, under acidic conditions, the 5-methyldipyrromethene s...