Process for the production of {60 -cyano-{65 -haloacetoacetic compounds

Process for the production of an alpha -cyano- gamma -halo acetoacetic compound of the general formula: wherein X is halogen, R is -NR1R2, -NHR3 or -O-R4, R1 and R2 are each alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon, or R1 and R2 form a morpholino or piperidino heterocyclic group with the N in -NR1R2, R3 is alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms or aryl, and R4 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or aryl. The process includes reacting an alkali metal alcoholate and the haloacetoacetic compound of the formula: wherein X and R are the same as defined above. A metal salt of the haloacetoacetic compound of the formula: wherein X and R are the same as defined above and wherein the metal in the metal salt is an alkali metal, results. Then the metal salt of the haloacetoacetic compound and a halo cyanogen in an inert solvent are reacted.