The synthesis of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(p-cyanophenyl)-ethane was carried out with the condensation product of chloral and toluene as starting material. This product was converted, through the corresponding tetraacetate, to 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(p-aldehydophenyl)-ethane which in turn reacted with hydroxylamine to give the dioxime. The subsequent dehydration of the latter gave rise to the desired dinitrile. The corresponding dichloro derivatives of the oxime and nitrile were also prepared.