New compounds and a process for the preparation thereof are disclosed of the formula: R.sub.n ArCCl=CClH wherein Ar is an aromatic nucleus, aromatic being defined herein as a derivative of benzene, each R is independently selected from halogen, alkyl and haloalkyl and n is an integer from 2 to 4. The above compounds are useful as chemical intermediates for the preparation of compounds having herbicidal activity.