Primary intermediates for oxidative coloration of hair

Primary intermediates for hair coloring compositions for oxidative dyeing of hair are compounds of the formula (1): ##STR1##

wherein R is selected from C₁ to C₅ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, a C₃ to C₆ cyclic ring containing hetero atoms selected from O, S and N atoms, and -CH₂-Ar where Ar is an aromatic ring wherein the aromatic ring may be substituted with one or two hydroxy C₁ to C₃ alkoxy, or amino groups.