Indirect methods similar to those previously described for introducing isopropenyl and 1- methylpropenyl groups into malonic ester'are not equally practical for synthesizing higher (l- alkylvinyl)-alkylmalonic esters. Such syntheses would require as intermediates higher 1- alkylalkylidenemalonic esters, RCH& (R')= C (COOEt) 2. Es-ters of the latter type are difficult to prepare because ketones higher in molecular weight than methyl ethyl ketone do not ...