been synthesized, and the balance between their push–pull character and their aromaticbehaviour has been studied by experimental (spectroscopic, electrochemical and X-ray analysis) and theoretical (DFT/B3LYP/6-31G**) methods. Calculations reveal that the push–pull character is energetically favoured with respect to the preservation of the aromaticity of the pyrimidine ring. X-ray analysis of 7a confirms