The preparation and properties of bis (ethy1carbonic) dicarboxylic anhydrides (I) derived from a variety of dicarboxylic acids have been investigated. There is a strong tendency for these to decompose into cyclic anhydride (path A) when a five-or six-membered ring can form. When this condition is not met, the bis (ethy1carbonic) dicarboxylic anhydrides are generally stable at room temperature although a few cases of decomposition into diester ...