Abstract: A cyclohexane-2,5-dione-1,4-ylene-bis (-3-propionic acid) derivative represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or alkyl. The derivative is prepared by heating a cyclohexane-2,5-dione derivative represented by the formula ##STR2## wherein R is as defined above, and R.sub.1 is alkyl, in the presence of water.