A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I, ##STR00001##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are ortho or para substituents, independently
selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.7-C.sub.9 aralkoxy, C.sub.2-C.sub.7
alkanoyloxy, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkylmercapto, halo and trifluoromethyl;
R.sub.3 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; R.sub.4 is hydrogen,
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, formyl or C.sub.2-C.sub.7 alkanoyl; n is one of
the integers 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; and the dotted line represents optional
olefinic unsaturation; comprising hydrogenating a compound of formula
III, ##STR00002## in the presence of a nickel or cobalt catalyst at a
temperature of about 5.degree. C. to 25.degree. C.
