Benzophenone derivatives which are useful in electrophotographic light-sensitive material represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein A represents the structural formula (a), (b) or (c): ##STR2## and R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or a nitro group, and a process for preparation thereof. These benzophenone derivatives can be synthesized by reacting compounds represented by formula (II): ##STR3## wherein A and R are the same as defined above, with malonitrile.