A process for preparation of unsymmetrical acyclic imide bleach activators is provided. The compounds prepared by this process have formula (I) wherein R1 is a C7-C13 linear or branched chain saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, R2 is a C1-C8 linear or branched chain saturated or unsaturated alkyl group and R3 is a C1-C4 linear or branched chain saturated or unsaturated alkyl group. The process comprises the steps of reacting an amide having formula (II) with a reactive acyl compound to form said imide; wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of R?1 and R3¿, and wherein said reactive acyl compound contains said R3 group when Y is R1 and contains said R1 group when Y is R3, wherein said reactive acyl group is preferably selected from the group of compounds consisting of carboxylic acid halides, carboxylic acid esters, and carboxylic acid anhydrides; and separating said imide from the reaction mixture.