Abstract A series of β-substituted glutarimides have been prepared via the Guareschi synthesis of αα?-dicyano-ββ-dialkylglutarimides, the scope of which is discussed. Two related series, ββ-dialkylglutaramic acids and 3, 3-dialkylpentane diols, have been investigated. Representative αα'-dicarboxyamidoglutarimides and 1, 1, 3, 3-tetra-carboxylic acid propane di-hides, intermediates in the acid hydrolysis of the αα'-dicyanoglutarimides ...