NEW MATERIAL:An alkyl xanthate compound of formula I (R1 is 1-18C alkyl).

EXAMPLE: Xylylene bis(ethyl xanthate).

USE: Useful as a photopolymerization initiator. The compound of formula I is employed for a polymerization reaction to prepare a polymer slightly having a color and capable of being controlled into various mol. wts.

PREPARATION: An aliphatic alcohol of formula II (R2 is 1-18C alkyl) is reacted with an alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal, with carbon disulfide and subsequently with para xylylene dichloride to provide the compound of formula I. When a polymer is prepared, the prepared crude product of formula I is re-crystallized in benzene/methanol solvent for purification, mixed with a radically polymerizable monomer and irradiated with UV rays.