A series of β-substituted glutarimides have been prepared via the Guareschi synthesis of αα?-dicyano-ββ-dialkylglutarimides, the scope of which is discussed. Two related series, ββ-dialkylglutaramic acids and 3,3-dialkylpentane diols, have been investigated. Representative αα'-dicarboxyamidoglutarimides and 1,1,3,3-tetra-carboxylic acid propane di-hides, intermediates in the acid hydrolysis of the αα'-dicyanoglutarimides to glutarimides have been incidentally prepared. Pharmacological findings for these series are briefly reported.