The present invention provides improved methods for the chemical synthesis of methylene malonates using the Knovenagel synthesis reaction. The method of the invention provides for improved methylene malonates by significantly reducing or eliminating the formation of alternative and/or deleterious side products, significantly reducing or eliminating unwanted consumption of methylene malonates, and significantly reducing or eliminating the degradation of methylene malonates. These advantages result in methylene malonates, which upon recovery, are of higher quality, greater purity, improved yield and possess overall improved performance characteristics (e.g., improved cure speed, retention of cure speed, improved shelf-life and/or stability).