Sulfostyrils. IV. Reactions of 4-keto-3,4-dihydrosulfostyril

The ketone group in 4-keto-3,4-dihydrosulfostyril (I) displays anomalous properties. Its reactions are described; in some reactions it behaved normally, in others it proved quite inert. Attempted oximination of I led to extrusion of the sulfone group with formation of isatin derivatives. Compound I was converted to a tetracyclic indole derivative.