A series of stilbazolium merocyanine-type dyes, 3-[2-(hydroxy-substituted aryl)vinyl]benzo[c]quinolizinium perchlorates, was synthesized by the aldol-type condensation of 3-methylbenzo[c]quinolizinium perchlorate with hydroxy-substituted benzaldehyde derivatives in 45-85% yields. The deprotonated form of the dyes exhibited the pronounced negative solvatochromism extended almost over the whole visible region. The negative solvatochromic character of the dyes having a benzo[c]quinolizinium ring was more striking than that of the isomeric dyes having a benzo[a]quinolizinium ring.