Photoreduction occurs when polyvinylbenzophenone (PVB) is irradiated at 3 650 Å. Recombination of the formed radicals leads to cyclization when polymer is irradiated in dilute solutions and to crosslinking in concentrated solutions and solid films. Absorption and emission spectra of the polymer and inhibition of the above reactions by naphthalene indicates that these proceed by a triplet state mechanism. The results obtained for PVB are compared with those of a model compound, p-propylbenzophenone. © 1969.