The synthesis of 3-tert-alkyl-3-oxo-1-arninopropane-1,1-diphosphonic acids and of 3-tert-alkyl-3-oxo-prop-1-ene-1,1-diphosphonic acids as two new groups of metal complexing agents and their chemical properties are described. Evidence is given for their suggested structures. In addition, the first known example of a diphosphonic acid with a cyano group attached to the geminal carbon atom was prepared from 3-oxo-1-aminoalkane-1,1-diphosphonic acids and 3-terr-alkyl-3-oxo-1-hydroxypropane-1,1-diphosphonic acids from 3-oxo-1-aminopropane-1,1-diphosphonic acids.