Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel cyclopropanecarbonitrile compounds of the general formula wherein X is a hydrogen, or a straight, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon moiety consisting of less then 30 carbon atoms and containing single and/or double bonds; Z is a hydrogen or a straight, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon moiety consisting of 1 to 30 carbon atoms and containing single and/or double bonds and Y is a nitrile.