Benzofuran derivatives and methods for their use as stabilizers and sunscreens against HIV radiations

Abstract

Compounds of the general formula I ##STR1## R and R.sub.1, which can be the same or different, are hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 straight or branched alkyl group, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or the group OR.sub.4, wherein R.sub.4 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group,R.sub.3 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl,X is oxygen or the NR.sub.5 group, wherein R.sub.5 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 straight or branched alkyl group n is the number 1 or 2,A, when n is 1, is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 straight or branched alkyl group, C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 cycloalkyl group, the group of formula (II), ##STR2## wherein R.sub.6 is hydrogen or methyl group or a group of formula (III) ##STR3## wherein R.sub.6 has the above meanings and R.sub.7 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 straight or branched alkyl group, phenyl, optionally substituted with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 straight or branched alkyl group, m can have the values from 0 to 4,A, when n is 2 is C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 alkylene or the group of formula (IV) ##STR4## wherein R.sub.8 and R.sub.9, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen or methyl group, p is a number from 1 to 4, have stabilizing activity against UV radiation and are useful in cosmetics and plastic materials.

Description

The present invention relates to compounds having high absorption towards ultraviolet radiation, therefore the compounds are useful as photostabilizers and sunscreens, particularly in cosmetics and plastics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ultraviolet (UV) radiations of sunlight ranging from 280 to 400 nm are known to exert a damaging action on organic materials, such as plastics and paints, which are destroyed more or less rapidly. Destruction is apparent in the form of yellowing, discolouration, brittlening and generally as a loss of mechanical properties of the organic material.

It is known as well that UV radiations, particularly the so called UV-B between 290 and 320 nm, are noxious to human skin. They cause skin erythema and sunburns, whose severity depend on duration of exposure. It was ascertained that also radiations between 320 and 400 nm, so called UV-A, responsible of skin suntan, can cause alterations and damages to the skin which can not be disregarded, particularly in the case of sensitive skins or of continued exposure to sunlight. It has ben demonstrated that UV-A radiation, other than damaging elastine and collagen, can also be the cause of a number of phototoxic or photoallergic reactions. Moreover, the noxious action of UV-B radiation may be enhanced by the presence of UV-A. (Willis et al.; Journal of Investigative Dermatology, vol. 59,416, 1072).

For the protection against noxious UV-B radiations, some compounds, such as for example cinnamic acid, 4-aminobenzoic acid, benzylydenecamphor and benzophenone derivatives, are well-known and also used for the preparation of cosmetic compositions.

On the contrary, for the protection against UV-A, products with sufficient efficacy are not yet available, even if patent literature provides different compounds, but in practice the result is not satisfying.

2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone is a commercially available product, whose maximum absorption about 325 nm is too low in order to provide a sufficient protection, moreover its solubility in the solvents generally used in cosmetics is very low and this makes its use difficult. Another compound presently used in practice is a dibenzoylmethane derivative, but this compound has not sufficient photostability (Int.J.Cosm. Science, 10, 53, 1988).

Accordingly the sunscreen cosmetic compositions containing the above compounds can not assure a sufficient protection against UV-A, because the active ingredients are either too weak (benzophenone derivatives) or are degraded too fast from the sun radiation itself (dibenzoylmethane derivative).

To date, also for the stabilization of synthetic polymers and paints, industry has no products with sufficient efficacy and with characteristics suitable to provide a satisfactory protection against the damaging action of UV radiations.

Compounds similar to the ones of formula (I) below are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3079366, DE 4122475 and DE 4211603, but their use is not completely satisfying.

Therefore the need to have photostabilizing agents and sunscreens for cosmetics satisfying the above requirements, such as solubility in cosmetic vehicles, effective absorption of UV radiation, particularly sunlight, time-stability, is still present.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been found that certain derivatives of benzofuran are capable of protecting organic materials effectively, thus satisfying present technologic requirements.

The compounds according to the present invention absorb UV radiations in a particularly intense way in the region between 320 and 360 nm. Accordingly they may be employed as UV-absorbers for the protection of synthetic polymers, paints and especially in the cosmetic industry for the preparation of cosmetic compositions having high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for skin protection from sun radiations.

Therefore a first object of the present invention are compounds of formula (I) ##STR5## wherein R and R.sub.1, which can be the same or different, are hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 straight or branched alkyl group, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or the group OR.sub.4, wherein R.sub.4 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group,

R.sub.3 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, X is oxygen or the NR.sub.5 group, wherein R.sub.5 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 straight or branched alkyl group n is the number 1 or 2, A, when n is 1, is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 straight or branched alkyl group, C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 cycloalkyl group, the group of formula (II) ##STR6## wherein R.sub.6 is hydrogen or methyl group or a group of formula (III) ##STR7## wherein R.sub.6 has the above meanings and R.sub.7 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 straight or branched alkyl group, phenyl, optionally substituted with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 straight or branched alkyl group, m can have the values from 0 to 4, A, when n is 2, is C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 alkylene or the group of formula (IV) ##STR8## wherein R.sub.8 and R.sub.9, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen or methyl group, p is a number from 1 to 4.

Another object of the present invention is a process for the preparation of the compounds of formula (I).

Another object of the present invention is a method for stabilizing synthetic polymers against the damaging action of UV radiation by adding at least a compound of formula (I) to said polymers. Another object of the present invention is a method for protecting human skin from noxious sunlight radiations by applying on the skin a cosmetic composition containing an effective amount of at least a compound of formula (I) as sunscreen. Another object of the present invention is a cosmetic composition containing an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) as active ingredient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, in the compounds of formula (I), examples of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4, C.sub.1 -C.sub.8, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20, straight or branched alkyl group are: methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tertbutyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, 2-, 3- or 4-methylpentyl, 2 ethylhexyl, heptyl, 1-ethylpentyl, 4-methylhexyl, octyl, nonyl, 5-ethylheptyl, 6-methyloctyl, decyl, tetradecyl, 3-methyl-5-propyl-7-ethyldecyl, octadecyl.

Examples of C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 cycloalkyl group are: cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, methylcyclopentyl, tert-butylcyclohexyl, methylcyclopentyl, cyclooctyl, cyclododecyl.

Examples of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy group are: methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, tertbutoxy.

Examples of optionally substituted phenyl group are: o-, m-, or p-toluyl, o-, or p-xylyl, o-, m-, or p-ethylphenyl, o-, m-, or p-tertbutylphenyl or phenyl groups bearing one or more same or different alkyl groups.

Examples of C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 alkylene group are: ethylene trimethylene, pentamethylene, heptamethylene decamethylene, dodecamethylene.

A first class of preferred compounds of formula (I) are those wherein X is oxygen.

A second class of preferred compounds of formula (I) are those wherein X is oxygen, R and R.sub.1, which can be the same or different, are hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 straight or branched alkyl group, R.sub.2 is hydrogen.

Particularly preferred compounds are those of formula (I) wherein the groups are as defined in the following Table 1:

TABLE 1______________________________________ R R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 X n A______________________________________1 H H H H 0 1 C.sub.2 H.sub.52 H H H H 0 1 ##STR9##3 H H H CH.sub.3 0 1 C.sub.2 H.sub.54 H H H H 0 1 C.sub.10 H.sub.215 H H H H 0 1 ##STR10##6 H H H H 0 1 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.2 OCH.sub.37 H H H H 0 1 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.2 OC.sub.4 H.sub.98 H H H H 0 1 C.sub.12 H.sub.259 H H H CH.sub.3 0 1 ##STR11##10 H H H CH.sub.3 0 2 (CH.sub.2).sub.1011 H H H H 0 1 C.sub.18 H.sub.37______________________________________

The compounds of the present invention can be prepared by reacting known compounds of formula (V) ##STR12## wherein X, A and n are as above defined, with a minimum n equivalents of trimethyl- or triethylorthoformate and minimum n equivalents of a compound of formula (VI) ##STR13## wherein R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 have the above mentioned meanings.

The reaction is carried out in a polar organic preferably an alcohol, such as for example n-solvent, propyl , n-butyl, isobutyl alcohol or ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl- or monoethyl ether.

Reaction temperature can range from 50.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably between 100.degree. and 150.degree. C.

The obtained compounds are recovered and purified by means of well-known methods.

In another embodiment, the preparation of compounds (I), when n is 2, or when n is 1 and A is different from methyl or ethyl, can be carried out also by reacting a compound of formula (VII) ##STR14## wherein R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 have the above mentioned meanings and R.sub.10 is methyl or ethyl, with compounds of formula (VIII)

A-(XH).sub.n (VIII) wherein A, X and n have the above meaning.

In this case the reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of a transesterification catalyst, such as for example a tetraalkyl titanate or a sodium or potassium alcoholate in an apolar solvent, such as for example toluene, xylene or even in the absence of any solvent.

The compounds of the present invention are endowed with a very effective capacity of absorbing UV radiations; particularly UV component of sunlight, especially the radiation between 230 and 360 nm.

Therefore, the compounds of the present invention are useful as sunscreens and photostabilizers and a method for using them as sunscreens, particularly in cosmetics and as photostabilizers for organic materials, particularly polymers, is an object of the present invention.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the cosmetic compositions for the protection of skin from sun radiations, comprise at least a compound of formula (I) in admixture with conventional vehicles and excipients. The amounts of the compound of formula (I) will range from 0.1 to 20%, preferably from 0.5 to 15% by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition.

The cosmetic compositions of the present invention are useful for the protection of skin against sun radiation. A cosmetic treatment for the protection of skin against sun protection is comprised in the present invention.

The cosmetic compositions containing at least a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, other than the skin treatment, are useful for the treatment of hair and make-up.

Said compositions may be of various kinds, such as for example, solutions, lotions, water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions, or in the form of gels, lipsticks, sprays.

Said compositions can be prepared by means of conventional techniques which are well-known to those skilled in the art, by formulating generally used ingredients, such as for example oils, fats, emulgents, hydrating agents, emollients, preservatives, surfactants, thickeners, antifoaming, perfumes, pigments, dyes, and many others, such as alcohols, polyols, electrolytes, silicone derivatives. The most used solvents are caprinic or caprilic acid triglycerides, for example castor oil, fatty acid esters with isopropanol, propylene glycol, glycerine, propylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl or monobutyl ether.

In a particular embodiment, the cosmetic compositions according to the present invention may contain in combination also well-known sunscreens, particularly those whose maximum absorption is between 290 and 320 nm.

Well-known sunscreens, that may be combined with the compounds of formula (I) are for example:

3-(4-methylbenzylydene)camphor, 2-ethylhexyl-(4-dimethylamino)benzoate, 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate, mentyl salicilate, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2,4,6-trianilino-(p-carbo-2-ethylhexyloxy)-l,3,5-triazine, tris(p-carboxyanilino)triazine derivatives disclosed in EP 0570838, salts of 2-phenylbenzimidazol-5-sulfonic acid or 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-sulfonic acid.

The cosmetic compositions according to the present invention, other than at least a compound of formula (I), may also contain inorganic pigments usually employed in cosmetics for the protection of skin against UV radiation, such as titanium or zinc or silicon or aluminium oxides.

The compounds of formula (I) above described can be used also to stabilize the compositions themselves against the UV radiation, comprising sun radiation. In this case, it relates to compositions whose ingredients can undergo undesired degradation or discolorations due to light, such as for example shampoos and hair lacquers, hair-styling lotions, compositions for hair dyeing, formulates for make-up, such as nail lacquers, foundation, lipstick.

Therefore, it is another object of the present invention a method for protecting a cosmetic composition from the degradation induced by UV radiation which comprises incorporating an effective amount of at least a compound of formula (I).

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the compounds of formula (I) are used as photostabilizers for organic materials, in particular synthetic polymers and paints. As synthetic polymers it is meant polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polybutadiene, polyisoprene and copolymers thereof, polyvinyl acetate and copolymers thereof, particularly with polyethylene, polyesters, such as polyethyleneterephthalate, polyamides, such as Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyvinylchloride

The compounds of formula (I) can be incorporated in the polymers to be stabilized by means of every method known in the art for admixing additives to polymeric materials; for example, they can be admixed with the polymer in a suitable mixer, or added in the form of a solution or a suspension in a suitable solvent, such as methanol, ethanol, acetone, chloroform, subsequently removing the solvent after the mixing with the polymer, which can be in the form of a powder, granulate or suspension, or they can be added to the polymer during its preparation, for example in the last step of preparation.

The compound of formula (I) can also be used in combination with other stabilizers and additives generally used for polymers, such as for example phenol-based antioxidants, phosphites, hindered amines, particularly those containing the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine group in their structure, other UV-absorbers based on benzotriazoles or benzophenones, plasticizers, lubricants, antistatic agents, flame retardants, titanium oxide.

The amount of compounds of formula (I) necessary for an effective stabilization of the polymer depends on several factors, such as the polymer type and characteristics, its intended use, radiation intensity, exposition duration and the optional presence of other stabilizers. Generally an amount ranging from 0.01 to 5%, preferably from 0.05 to 2%, by weight of the polymer is sufficient.

Therefore, another object of the present invention is a method for protecting synthetic polymers and paints from photodegradation comprising the addition of at least a compound of formula (I).

The following examples illustrate the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

A mixture consisting of 23.7 g of ethylcyanoacetate, 42 g of 2-(p-aminophenyl)benzofuran, 34 g of triethyl formate in 150 ml of ethylene glycol was slowly heated up to 150.degree. C., distilling the forming ethyl alcohol at the same time and stirring for 2 hours.

After cooling the mixture down to 70.degree. C., 100 ml of methanol were added and temperature was brought down to 10.degree. C.

The formed precipitate was filtered, washed with methanol, dried and crystallized from xylene obtaining the compound of the following formula with m.p. 195.degree.-197.degree. C. and E'.sub.1 of 1611 at 352 nm. ##STR15##

EXAMPLE 2

13.3 g of the compound of Example 1 were added to 78 g of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol. 0.2 mg of tetrabutyl orthotitanate were added and the mixture was heated to 150.degree. C.

Therefore the mixture was stirred for 3 hours between 150.degree. and 170.degree. C., distilling the forming ethyl alcohol at the same time.

2-Ethylhexyl alcohol excess was vacuum-distilled and the residue was crystallized from n-octane.

The compound of the following formula with m.p. 122.degree.-124.degree. C. and E'.sub.1 of 1339 at 353 nm was obtained. ##STR16##

Operating as described in Example 1 or 2, the compounds listed in the following Table 2 were obtained:

TABLE 2__________________________________________________________________________ ##STR17##EXAMPLE R.sub.3 n m.p. .degree.C. A .lambda.nm E.sub.1.sup.1__________________________________________________________________________3 CH.sub.3 1 203-206 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 350 14274 H 1 112-115 C.sub.10 H.sub.21 353 12305 H 1 219-221 ##STR18## 354 12186 H 1 122-125 CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3 353 13347 H 1 113-115 CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OC.sub.4 H.sub.9 353 12658 H 1 132-133 C.sub.12 H.sub.25 355 11859 CH.sub.3 1 84-88 ##STR19## 351 117210 CH.sub.3 2 197-201 (CH.sub.2).sub.10 356 124211 H 1 118-124 C.sub.18 H.sub.37 355 999__________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 12

______________________________________Preparation of an alcoholic gel______________________________________Propylene glycol 25.0 gEthyl alcohol 96% 25.0 gSynthalen .RTM. M (crosslinked polyacrylic acid 0.6 gfrom 3V-Sigma)Compound of Example 8 2.0 gTriethanolamine 0.3 gPreservative 0.3 gPerfume 0.3 gDistiled water q.s. to 100 g______________________________________

Synthalen M is dispersed in water, then triethanolamine is added and subsequently the mixture of propylene glycol and ethanol wherein Compound of Example 8 was dissolved.

EXAMPLE 13

______________________________________Preparation of a lipstick______________________________________Beeswax 13.0 gCarnauba wax 7.5 gLanolin 5.0 gIsopropyl myristate 8.0 gMineral oil 3.0 gCastor oil 63.5 g______________________________________

85 g of this mixture are warmed to melt, 7 g of the compound of Example 1 and 8 g of 3-(4-methylbenzylydene)camphor, as well as perfume, aroma and dyes are added to the melt then it is diluted with castor oil to 1000 g and cooled to room temperature.

EXAMPLE 14

______________________________________Preparation of a sun creme______________________________________C.sub.12 -C.sub.15 alcohols benzoate 5.0 g(Finasol .RTM. TN, Witco)Cetylstearyl alcohol 3.0 gGlycerine mono and distearate 4.0 gPolyglycol (Arlacel .RTM. 165 ICI) 2.0 gMyristic alcohol with 3 moles of 21.0 gpropylene oxide (Witconol .RTM. APM, Witco)Compound of Example 2 2.5 g2-Ethylhexyl-4-methoxy cinnamate 3.5 gPerfume 0.3 gDistiled water q.s. to 100 g______________________________________

Fatty phase is warmed at 80.degree.-90.degree. C., the compound of Example 2 is added, then the mixture is added to water, containing the hydrosoluble compounds, warmed to 80.degree.-90.degree. C. The mixture is stirred till warm for 15-20 minutes. The mixture is slowly cooled down and perfume is added.

EXAMPLE 15

______________________________________Preparation of a sun milk______________________________________Fatty acid triglyceride 20.0 gCetyl alcohol 2.0 gCetylstearyl alcohol 2.0 gLanolin 4.0 gSilicon oil 0.4 g2-Ethylhexyl-4-dimethylamino benzoate 2.5 gCompound of Example 11 2 gAbiol .RTM. (preservative of 3V-Sigma) 0.2 gSynthalen .RTM. M (crosslinked polyacrylic acid 0.1 gfrom 3V-Sigma)Triethanolamine 0.15 gPerfume 0.3 gDistiled water q.s. to 100 g______________________________________

The preparation is carried out according to the procedure of Example 14.

EXAMPLE 16

______________________________________Preparation of a day-cream______________________________________C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 acid triglyceride 29.0 gGlycerine mono stearate 7.0 gStearic acid 2.0 gLanolin 4.0 gPreservative 0.2 gCompound of Example 10 2.5 gPropylene glycol 2.5 gTriethanolamine 0.5 gPerfume 0.3 gDistiled water q.s. to 100 g______________________________________

The preparation is carried out according to the procedure of Example 14.

EXAMPLE 17

1,000 g of low density-polyethylene (Riblene .sup.(R) EF 2100 Enichem), 2 g of n-octadecyl-3-(3,5-ditert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, 1 g of calcium stearate and 0.3 g of a compound of formula (I) were admixed homogeneously. The obtained mixtures were extruded at 190.degree. C. and transformed into granules. From these, by pressing at 200.degree. C., films having 0.2 mm thickness were obtained.

Samples of these films were subjected to UV radiations in a Weatherometer WOM Ci-65 at a temperature of the black panel of 63.degree. C. In the irradiated samples the increase of the carbonyl band in the infrared region at 5.85 nm and the time necessary to have an increase of 0.1 of the carbonyl band were measured in comparison with a film not containing the stabilizer of formula

The results are reported in the Table 3 below.

TABLE 3______________________________________Stabilizer T 0.1 (hours)______________________________________Without stabilizer 360Compound of Example 2 1170Compound of Example 5 1350Compound of Example 10 1230______________________________________

Claims

1. A compound of the formula (I) ##STR20## wherein R and R.sub.1, which can be the same or different, are hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 straight or branched alkyl group, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or the group OR.sub.4, wherein R.sub.4 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group,

R.sub.3 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl,

X is oxygen or the NR.sub.5 group, wherein R.sub.5 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 straight or branched alkyl group n is the number 1 or 2,

A, when n is 1, is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 straight or branched alkyl group, C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 cycloalkyl group, the group of formula (II), ##STR21## wherein R.sub.6 is hydrogen or methyl group or a group of formula (III) ##STR22## wherein R.sub.6 has the above meanings and R.sub.7 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 straight or branched alkyl group, phenyl, phenyl substituted with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 straight or branched alkyl group, m can have the values from 0 to 4,

A, when n is 2, is C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 alkylene or the group of formula (IV) ##STR23## wherein R.sub.8 and R.sub.9, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen or methyl group, p is a number from 1 to 4.

2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X is oxygen.

3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X is oxygen, and R.sub.2 is hydrogen.

4. A compound according to claim 1, selected from the group consisting of:

______________________________________ R R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 X n A______________________________________1 H H H H 0 1 C.sub.2 H.sub.52 H H H H 0 1 ##STR24##3 H H H CH.sub.3 0 1 C.sub.2 H.sub.54 H H H H 0 1 C.sub.10 H.sub.215 H H H H 0 1 ##STR25##6 H H H H 0 1 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.2 OCH.sub.37 H H H H 0 1 (CH.sub.2).sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.2 OC.sub.4 H.sub.98 H H H H 0 1 C.sub.12 H.sub.259 H H H CH.sub.3 0 1 ##STR26##10 H H H CH.sub.3 0 2 (CH.sub.2).sub.1011 H H H H 0 1 C.sub.18 H.sub.37______________________________________

5. A process for the preparation of a compound of claim 1, by reacting a compound of formula (V) ##STR27## wherein X, A and n are as above defined, with a minimum n equivalents of trimethyl- or triethylorthoformate and minimum n equivalents of a compound of formula (VI) ##STR28## wherein R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 have the above defined meanings.

6. A process for the preparation of a compound of claim 1, wherein n is 1 or 2 and A is different from methyl or ethyl, by reacting a compound of formula (VII) ##STR29## wherein R, R.sub.1 R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are as above defined, R.sub.10 is methyl or ethyl, with compounds of formula (VIII)

A-(XH).sub.n (VIII)

wherein A and X are as above defined and n is 1 or 2.

7. A method for protecting synthetic polymers and paints against photodegradation comprising the addition of at least a compound of claim 1 to the polymers and paints.

8. The method according to claim 7, comprising admixing with the polymers and paints at least a compound of formula (I).

9. The method according to claim 7, comprising the addition to the polymers and paints of a solution of a compound of formula (I) and subsequent evaporation of the solvent.

10. A method for the photostabilization of polymers, comprising an addition of a compound of formula (I) during a preparation of the polymer.

11. A cosmetic composition containing an amount ranging from 0.1 to 20% by weight with respect to the total amount of the composition of at least a compound of claim 1 in admixture with suitable cosmetic vehicles and excipients.

12. A composition according to claim 11, further containing a sunscreen.

13. A composition according to claim 12, wherein the sunscreen has a maximum absorption ranging from 290 and 320 nm.

14. A composition according to claim 13, wherein the sunscreen is selected from the group consisting of 3-(4-methylbenzylydene)camphor, 2-ethylhexyl-(4-dimethylamino)benzoate, 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate, mentyl salicilate, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2,4,6-trianilino-(p-carbo-2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,3,5-triazine, tris(p-carboxyanilino)triazine derivatives, salts of 2-phenylbenzimidazol-5-sulfonic acid or 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone5-sulfonic acid.

15. A composition according to claim 11, further containing one or more inorganic pigments suitable for cosmetic use.

16. A composition according to claim 11, in the form of a solution, lotion, emulsion, gel, lipstick, spray.

17. A method for protecting human skin against sunlight radiation, comprising the application to the skin of the cosmetic composition of claim 11.

18. A method for preparing a cosmetic composition with high sun protecting factor, comprising the addition to the composition of at least a compound of claim 1.

19. A method for protecting a cosmetic composition from UV radiation induced degradation comprising incorporating at least a compound of claim 1 in the composition.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the composition is a shampoo, hair lacquer, hair-styling lotion, hair dye, a cosmetic for make-up.

21. The method of claim 6, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a transesterification catalyst.