A compound of formula I ##STR1## wherein A is a moiety which provides UV absorbing activity to the compound of formula I that comprises 1 divalent group or 2 monovalent groups, with at least one group having carbonyl (C.dbd.O) functionality, and each R is independently linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl. Sunscreen formulations which contain these compounds and methods using these compounds to prepare formulations are also provided.