In this study, the mono-substituted and di-substituted benzophenone derivatives containing the ester group were synthesized by the reaction of dihydroxy benzophenone with acyl chloride. Their structures were characterized by 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR and their optical properties and application in ultraviolet curable coatings were studied. The mono-substituted compounds can be used as UV absorbers and do not participate in the curing of the free radical system during UVcuring, enhancing the light stability of coatings and cured coatings and facilitating the storage of UV-curable coatings. The di-substituted compounds can be used as photoinitiators for ultraviolet curable coatings and show good film morphology.