In the title molecule, C 36H 39ClN 4OS, the non-aromatic part of the cyclohex-1-enyl ring and the attached tert-butyl group are disordered over two conformations with occupancy ratios of 0.52 (3):0.48 (3) and 0.53 (3):0.47 (3), respectively. The polyene chain single- and double-bond dimensions contrast with a closely related compound [Bouit et al. (2007 ▶). Chem. Mater. 19, 5325–5335] with an approximate 19° twist between donor and acceptor ends of the molecule, related to the additional intramolecular C—H⋯S interaction. In the title compound, the molecules pack into dimeric units about centres of symmetry utilizing weak C—H⋯N(cyano) and C—H⋯O attractive interactions, building both chain and ring motifs about the centres [ R 2 2(8) and R 2 2(9)]. Adjacent dimeric sets then form a herringbone configuration.