Abstract: An ultraviolet absorbing compound of formula (I) below, and photographic elements containing such a compound as an ultraviolet absorber: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.4 is a substituted alkyl group, R.sub.4 may be further joined to either L or A* forming a ring and the benzo or phenyl ring shown may be further substituted or unsubstituted;L is a bivalent linking group;p is 0 or 1;A* is an alkyl group having an asymmetric carbon or asymmetric silicon atom, and;wherein the ultraviolet absorbing compound of formula (I) is a mixture of two enantiomers about the asymmetric carbon or silicon atom of A*.