A process for preparing a 2-R.sub.3 -3-(cyanoimino)-3-(amino)propionitrile which comprises A. reacting a mineral acid addition salt of a 2-cyanoacetimidate of the formula ##STR1## with cyanamide in an organic solvent to form a N,2-dicyanoacetimidate B. REACTING A N,2-dicyanoacetimidate of the formula ##STR2## with an amine of the formula ##STR3## to form a 2-R.sub.3 -3-(cyanoimino)propionitrile of the formula ##STR4## N,2-dicyanoacetimidate compounds are claimed as well.