Methods for preparing 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorodimethylolbenzene, an intermediate for the preparation of pyrethroids, are disclosed. A method for preparing 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorodimethylolbenzene includes the reduction of tetrafluoroterephthalate. Various reduction processes are disclosed, which are simple and safe and can afford the product in high yield and purity. Processes for preparing tefluthrin from 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorodimethylolbenzene, by halogenation, hydrogenation, and esterification, are also disclosed.