Diethyl malonate, also known as DEM, is the diethyl ester of malonic acid. It occurs naturally in grapes and strawberries as a colourless liquid with an apple-like odour, and is used in perfumes.
Diethyl malonate is diethyl ester of malonic acid. Acylation of diethyl malonate using magnesium chloride and triethylamine is reported. It is also used to synthesize other compounds such as barbiturates, artificial flavourings, vitamin B1, and vitamin B6.