The present invention relates to a process for producing 5-nitro-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-naphthalinone, 1,5-naphthalenediamine and 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate, in which 4-(2-nitrophenyl)-n-butyronitrile is converted to 4-(2-nitrophenyl)-n-butyric acid.