Malonic esters and their substituted derivatives undergo a well-known variety of cleavages under the influence of acidic or basic reagents. As representative of these cleavages the following examples may be cited. When a malonic ester is SUMMARY 1. 4-QuinazoIyImaIonic ester and related compounds have been prepared and found to cleave to 4-quinazolone in acid solution.2. Diethyl ethyl-(2,6-dimethyl-4-pyrimidyl)malonate and ethyl (2,6-dimethyl-4-pyrimidyl)cyanoacetate have been prepared. These compounds undergo hydrolysis and decarboxylation in acid.New York 27, N. Y.