synopsisDiallyl 2-substituted succinates, obtainable via the addition of alkenes or alkylaromatics to maleic anhydride, undergo intramolecular cyclization during polymerization to low molecular weight prepolymers. The amount of this cyclization and the properties of the cured prepolymers are profoundly affected by the structure of these 2-substituents. Thus, the degree of cyclization decreases with these substituents in the order: aralkyl and isobutyl > unhindered alkenyl > alkyl > hindered alkenyl. Properties of thermosetting molding compounds based on these prepolymers are inferior to those of poly-(diallyl phthalate) molding compounds.