NEW MATERIAL:A compound expressed by formula I (R1 and R2 represent H or alkyl).

USE: A raw material for producing polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, etc., and an intermediate for synthesis of tetracyanoquinodimethanes useful as an organic semiconductor.

PREPARATION: Cyclohexane-2,5-dion-1,4-ylene-(3-propionic acid) expressed by formula II is reacted with malonodinitrile in an aqueous medium, preferably in the presence of a catalyst such as β-alanine, while heating, preferably refluxing, for 1W10hr to obtain the compound expressed by formula I. It is preferable to use the compound expressed by formula II previously neutralized with an alkaline substance such as sodium hydrogencarbonate, etc. The reaction is advantageously carried out while distilling off a by-product alcohol formed during the reaction.