This invention relates to a process for preparing asymmetric isoindoline pigments of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is an electron-withdrawing group, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl, and R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, and R.sup.7 are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, or aryloxy. The process employs an initial reaction of a 1,2-dicyanobenzene with an alcohol in an organic medium in the presence of a base. The resultant imino-isoindoline intermediate composition reacts without isolation with a cyanomethylene compound NC--CH.sub.2 --R.sup.1 to form a partly condensed product that is then condensed without isolation in the presence of water with barbituric acid or a derivative thereof to form the asymmetric isoindoline pigment.

Claims data not available