Electrochemical reduction of (1R,2r,3S,4R,5r,6S)-hexachlorocyclohexane (Lindane) at carbon cathodes in dimethylformamide

► A cyclic voltammogram for reduction of Lindane at glassy carbon exhibits one irreversible peak. ► Electroreduction of Lindane is a six-electron process that leads to benzene and a small amount of chlorobenzene. ► Computations based on density functional theory suggest possible intermediates involved in the reduction of Lindane. ► Reduction of Lindane is a sequence of six one-electron steps with loss of chloride after each step.