A general synthesis for ethyl 3,3-dialkyl- and 3-aryl-1,2,2-tricyanocyclopropanecarboxylates from bromomalononitrile and ylidenecyanoacetates is described. When stereoisomeric products are possible, the predominant and sometimes exclusive isomer obtained has the larger C-3 substituent and the ethoxycarbonyl group in the trans-position.