NEW MATERIAL: A compound expressed by formula I [X1 and X2 are each a mono or polycyclic heteroaromatic radical, X2 is also aryl; Y is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl or a heterocyclic radical; benzene ring A may be substituted with halogen, cyano, nitro, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylcarbonyl, etc.).

EXAMPLE: A compound expressed by formula II.

USE: The rapid color forming agents for pressure-sensitive or heat-sensitive recording materials. The pH of the compound is stable. The compound is highly soluble in capsule oils and exhibits a slight decrease in color strength after exposure on a carbon sheet, and shows an high color intensity and excellent light-fastness on activated clay or phenolic substrates.

PROCESS: A compound of formula I is obtained by oxidizing a new methylene compound of formula III with an oxidation agent such as iron (III) chloride hexahydrate in an organic solvent such as acetone, and subsequently cyclizing the resulting compound by adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to 7-11 using NaOH, etc.