The electrochemically induced radical cyclization of N-alkyl-2-chloroacetanilides to form N-acetyl-2,3-dihydroindoles has been demonstrated where the phenyl ring contains an electron withdrawing substituent such as cyano. Cyclization of N-alkyl-2-chloroacetanilide was successful in the presence of (E)-stilbene as electron transfer agent yielding 1-acetyl-3-methyl-213-dihydroindole. Indirect electrochemical reduction of N-cinnamyl-2-chloroacetanilide leads mainly to cleavage of the cinnamyl group and only a low yield of N-acetyl-3-benzyl-2,3-dihydroindole was obtained.