Abstract Reactions of 2, 2-dimethyl-4, 6-dioxo-1, 3-dioxane (Meldrum's acid), 2, 2- tetramethylene-4, 6-dioxo-1, 3-dioxane and 2, 2-pentamethylene-4, 6-dioxo-1, 3-dioxane in the presence of MeONa gave rise instead of expectable products of Michael 1, 4-addition the corresponding N, N'-di (methoxycarbonyl)-p-benzoquinonediimines substituted in the ring.