Abstract: .alpha.-Acyloxy-N,N'-diacylmalonamides of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are the same or different and are hydrogen, straight chain or branched alkyl radicals having from one to eleven carbon atoms, or hydrocarbon radicals with six to twelve carbon atoms and comprising at least one aromatic ring, are novel compounds prepared by the action of a mixture of carboxylic acids R.sub.3 COOH and R.sub.4 COOH upon an .alpha.-acyloxymalononitrile, R.sub.1 COO--C(CN).sub.2 --R.sub.2, in the presence of an acid catalyst and are useful as intermediates in organic synthesis and low temperature activators in bleaching or scouring compositions.