The invention relates to photoactive oligomeric aminoketones of general Formulae I and II, for compositions and inks curable with ultraviolet (UV) light. The oligomeric aminoketones of the general Formula I are made by condensation of aminoketones with aldehydes, and aminoketones of the general Formula II are made by acylation of aromatic amines with phthalic anhydride, followed by esterification with a polyol. The aminoketones provide good curability of energy curable coatings and inks with UV-A light, and are proposed for photoinitiator systems for low migration inks.