The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of any of the intermediate 1,3-substituted indenes of the formulae (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic) or a mixture thereof: ##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.5 are defined herein. Compounds of formulae (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic) or mixtures thereof are useful in the preparation of compounds of formula (II): ##STR00002## wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.6 are also defined herein.