diethylmalonic dichloride afforded six- to eight-membered lactones. Treatment of the dianion of 3-acetylindole with benzophenone and diethylmalonic dichloride resulted in the formation of a cyclic 1,3,5-triketooctene. The reaction of 1,3-dianions with ketones and phthalic dichloride resulted in the formation of heterospirocyclic isobenzofuranones rather than of medium-sized rings.