Electrochemical generation of N-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)amides

A convenient method for the synthesis of N-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)amides has been established. Treatment of chloralamides with phosphorus pentachloride provides N-(1,2,2,2-tetrachloroethyl)amides in high yields whose electrochemical reduction leads to the title compounds in fair to quantitative yields. This approach exhibits superior efficiency and versatility than previously reported procedures.