Raman spectra in resonance with the L a state of benzene derivatives exhibit activity in both the fundamental and two-quantum overtones of modes that are of e 2 g symmetry in benzene. The Raman spectra can be used to test proposals of Petruska that result in the conclusion that 1,2,3-trisubstituted benzenes should have L a transitions with very small allowed transition moments. We find that nitrile substitution results in absorption and resonance Raman spectra that show deviations from Petruska's rules. The 1,2,3-tricyano derivative exhibits Raman spectra that demonstrate allowed transition character.