The reaction of anthrone with thionyl chloride in benzene yields 10-(chlorosulfinyl)anthrone, while in DMF monothioanthraquinone S-oxide is formed; 4-substituted anthrones react with thionyl chloride in DMF in a similar way. The reaction of 4,5-dichloroanthrone with thionyl chloride results in dimerization or the substrate and formation of the corresponding bianthracenedione.