The electrochemical reduction of 1,2-di-alkylphenyl-1,2-ethenediol di-
alkylbenzoates, on a Hg cathode in DMF/LiClO4, yields 1,2-di-alkylphen
ylacetylenes. The enediol diesters were obtained from alkylbenzoyl chl
orides, by the same method, using dry acetone/LiClO4.