A class of malonates having the structure :
wherein :
m is an integer from 0 to 1
m1 is an integer from 0 to 4 ;
R1 is a C1-C20 radical selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, phenyl, aryl, benzoyl and aroyl radicals, and when m is 0 and m1 is at least 1 then R1 can be hydrogen ;
R2 and R3 are radicals selected from the group consisting of C1-C12 alkyl and C5-C12 cycloalkyl radicals ; and
R4 is independently selected from the same group as R1 except that R4 is other than hydrogen, benzoyl and aroyl radicals, has been identified as providing effective bleach precursors. These precursors are employed in conjunction with a peroxygen compound.