5H-Indeno[5,6-d]-1,3-dioxole-5,6(7H)-dione 6-oxime can be used in the preparation of nonneurotoxic tetralin, indan analogues and in the total synthesis of Papilistatin. Papilistatin is a unique phenanthrene-1,10-dicarboxylic acid having good anticancer and antibacterial activity.