Abstract: Preparation of novel mono(indolylethylenyl) phthalides is disclosed. Specifically, these compounds are chromogenic mono(indolylethylenyl)phthalides of the formula ##STR1## wherein A is as hereinafter defined and selected from moieties of the type ##STR2## wherein L is an indole moiety as hereinafter defined; wherein B is a moiety of the type ##STR3## as hereinafter defined. The process disclosed comprises condensing indolylethylene with a keto acid or its derivative and an electron acceptor in an organic solvent.