A series of maleamic and citraconamic acids has been made by the reaction of primary and secondary aliphatic and heterocyclic amines with maleic and citraconic anhydrides. Methyl esters have been prepared from several of these acids. It has been found possible to prepare N-alkylmaleimides and citraconimides by cyclization of the N-alkylmaleamic and citraconamic acids under much milder reaction conditions than had formerly been used.
