The present invention is directed to a compound of formula I:wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from H, halogen, protected or unprotected hydroxy, alkylsilyloxy, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy or aryloxy, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, nitro, amino, mercapto or alkylthio;R3 and R4 are independently selected from H, substituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy or aryloxy, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl;Z is —(CRaRb)n— wherein n is a number selected from 1, 2, 3 and Ra and Rb are each independently selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy, substituted or unsubstituted amino or halogen;Y is selected from —O—, —S—, —N(Ra)— or —C(O)—, wherein Ra is as previously defined and does not form a cyclic ring;W is a group with sufficient electronic density to stabilize the compound through π interactions with the benzodienone moiety; or a salt thereof.The present invention also provides a method for its synthesis and intermediates thereof, as well as a method for absorbing UV comprising exposing a compound of formula I to UV radiation.