NEW MATERIAL:A compound of formulaI[Y1 and Z1 are -COR2 (R2 is OH, alkoxyl, aralkyl or aryl) or CN]and formula II (R1 is OH or alkoxy; Z2 is COR2 or H).

EXAMPLE: A 2,2-bis(2,4-dicyanobutyl)propanedicarboxylic diester.

USE: A mixing agent for agricultural chemicals, medicines, germicides, antiseptics, resins, etc. or an intermediate therefor.

PROCESS: A compound of formula III is reacted with a compound of formula IV in a nitrogen atmosphere under refluxing a solvent, e.g. anhydrous ethanol, in the presence of a metallic alkoxide as a base, or in tert-butanol in the presence of "Triton B " at 0W90°C to give the compound of formulaI, which is then hydrolyzed or further esterified to afford the compound of formula II.