A simple procedure for the synthesis of pyrrole-3,4-diacetic esters and N-derivatives thereof consists of the oxidative alkoxycarbonylation of dipropargylamine or N-derivatives to give 3,4-bis(alkoxycarbonylmethylene) pyrrolidines which can be easily isomerized to pyrrole-3,4-diacetic esters. Controlled hydrolysis of these esters affords pyrrolidine-3,4-diacetic acid.