By condensation of symmetrical malonic acid diamides with dichloromethane (method a) and with paraform (method b) N,N',N",N"'-substituted amides of 1,1,3,3-propanetetracarboxylic acid were synthesized. Better yields of the target products (68-80%) and the use of less toxic reagents indicate that method b is more feasible. The primary pharmacological screening revealed that the compounds obtained possess pronounced anticonvulsant activity at moderate toxicity.