2-Methylbenz[c,d]indole and its derivatives

2-Methylbenzc,dindole was prepared from naphthostyril, 2-Methyl- and -2-methylthio-benz [c,d]indoles gave 2-[(benz[c,d]indole-2(1H)-yliden)methyl]benz[c,d]-indole in good yield. Visible spectra of methine dyes originating from this base were considered.