Abstract: The invention relates to new 4-chloro-aryloxy-acetyl- or 4-chloro-aryloxy-propionyl-malonates of the general Formula I, ##STR1## a process for the preparation thereof and herbicidal compositions comprising the same.In the general Formula IR.sup.1 stands for chlorine or methyl;R.sup.2 represents hydrogen or chlorine;R.sup.3 stands for hydrogen or methyl;R.sup.4 represents C.sub.1-4 alkyl and the two R.sup.4 groups may be identical or different; andX is --N.dbd. or --CH.dbd..The compounds of the general Formula I may be prepared by reacting a compound of the general Formula II ##STR2## with a metal derivative of a malonate of the general Formula III; ##STR3## or in the presence of an metal compound with a malonate of the general Formula III; or by reacting a compound of the general Formula IV ##STR4## with a compound of the general Formula V ##STR5## (in which Formulae R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and X are as stated above; Z stands for halogen and Y represents halogen, cyano or alkylcarbonyloxy).