Poly(p-phenylene) has been obtained by electrochemical oxidation of benzene in a BuPyCl-AlCl₃ melt. The conductivity of the fresh film is 10 - 100 S/cm. Even when the film is stored in a dry inert atmosphere, its conductivity is reduced. Electrochemical properties and IR and ESR spectra have been investigated. The polymer has an average chain length of 29 - 30 units