Merocyanine derivatives

Disclosed are compounds of formula (1) and (2) and/or E/E-, E/Z- or Z/Z geometrical isomer forms thereof; wherein R1-R5, R1-R11 and A are defined as in description. The compounds are used as UV absorbers for protecting household products from photolytic and oxidative degradation, as plastic additives, preferably for food and pharmaceutical packaging applications, for preventing photo-degradation of food by incorporation of the compounds of formula (1') and/or (2') into transparent food containers, for protection of UV-A sensitive drugs from photo-degradation by incorporation of UV absorber in transparent blister foils or transparent pharmacy containers, as additives for photographic and printing applications, as additives for electronic applications and protecting the ingredients in agriculture applications.