An improved method for X-acylation of certain amides and imides has been developed. Brief fusion of a mixture of isopropenyl stearate and acid catalyst with cyclic imides (succinimide, maleimide, phthalimide, barbituric acids), cyclic imide-amides (spirohydantoins), N-alkyl amides, or N-aryl amides causes elimination of acetone as the temperature exceeds 150- 175'and gives high yields of X-acylated products. N-Stearoylsuccinimide (I) undergoes ...