2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol or salt thereof, or 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol or salt thereof, and dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising the same

Abstract: A 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol or a salt thereof; a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-nitrophenol or 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl mesylate, each an intermediate in the preparation of the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol; and a dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising a color-developing material and the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenyl or the salt thereof as a coupling agent are disclosed. Further, a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol or a salt thereof; a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol derivative, which is an intermediate in the preparation of the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol; and a dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising a color-developing material and the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol or the salt thereof as a coupling agent are disclosed.

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a novel 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol or a salt thereof, a dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising the sane, and a novel derivative thereof, which is an intermediate in the preparation of the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol. The present invention further relates to a novel 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol, a dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising the same, and a novel derivative thereof, which is an intermediate in the preparation of the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION So-called oxidation dyes, wherein a color-developing material is combined with a coupling agent, have been widely used in dyeing keratin fibers such as the hair. In the case of such an oxidation dye, a so-called oxidation pigment, which has been formed by the oxidation coupling of a color-developing material with a coupling agent, would intensely dye, for example, the hair. Many attempts have been carried out to obtain a suitable oxidation dye by combining the color-developing material and the coupling agent, as disclosed, for example, in US-patent 3,811,831, EP-A-0 215 560, EP-A-0 211 238, Chemical Abstracts, vol. 88, 152192u (1978) and "Die Makromolekulare Chemie", 175, no. 11, pages 3133-3146 (1974). Known examples of the color-developing material include p-phenylenediamine derivatives, p-aminophenol derivatives, diaminopyridine derivatives, 4-aminopyrazolone derivatives and heterocyclic hydrazone derivatives; while known examples of the coupling agent include α-naphthol, o-cresol, m-cresol, 2,6-dimethylphenol, 2,5-dimethylphenol, 3,4-dimethylphenol, 3,5-dimethylphenol, benzcatechin, pyrogallol, 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene, 1,7-dihydroxynaphthalene, 5-amino-2-methylphenol, hydroquinone, 2,4-diaminoanisole, m-toluylenediamine, 4-aminophanol, rosorcin, resorcin monomethyl ether, m=phenylenediamine, 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone, 1-phenyl-3-amino-5-pyrazolone, 1-phenyl-3,5-diketopyrazolidine, 1-methyl-7-dimethylamino-4-hydroxyquinolone-2,1-amino-3-acetylacetamino-4-nitrobenzene, 1-amino-3-cyanoacetylamino-4-nitro-benzene, m-aminophenol, 4-chlororesorcin, 2-methylresorcin, 2,4-diaminophenoxyethanol, 2,6-diaminopyridine, 3,5-diamino-trifluoromethylbenzene, 2,4-diaminofluorobenzene, 3,5-diaminofluorobenzene, 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine, 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine, 2-amino-4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine, 4-amino-2,6-dihydroxypyrimidine, 4,6-diamino-2-hydroxypyrimidine, p-nitro-o-phenylenediamine, 2-amino-5-nitrophenol, p-nitro-m-phenylenediamine, o-nitro-p-phenylenediamine and 2-amino-4-nitrophenol. However known oxidation dyes are unsatisfactory in chroma, dyeability power and fastness. Since these properties largely depend on the properties of the employed coupling agents, it is highly important in the preparation of an excellent oxidation dye to find out a material which is excellent as a coupling agent. Under these circumstances, we have synthesized a number of compounds and examined their properties as a coupling agent. As a result, we have found out that a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol represented by formula (I) below or a salt thereof, or a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol represented by formula (III) below or a salt thereof is excellent from the viewpoint of the above-mentioned properties, thus completing the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention provides a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol represented by formula (I) below or a salt thereof; wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl mesylate or 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-nitrophenol derivative represented by formula (II) below, each an intermediate in the preparation of the compound of formula (I) above: wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and R² represents a hydrogen atom or mesyl a group. The present invention further provides a dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising the compound represented by formula (I) as a coupling agent. The present invention furthermore provides a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol represented by formula (III) below or a salt thereof: wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R³ represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and R⁴ represents an unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms an unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted acetyl group, a benzoyl group, or a mesyl group. The present invention still provides a novel 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol derivative represented by formula (IV) or (V): wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and R⁴ represents an unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted acetyl group, a benzoyl group, or a mesyl group; and R 4' represents an acetyl group, a benzoyl group, or a mesyl group. and wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and n is an integer of 2 to 4; each which is an intermediate in the preparation of the compound of formula (III) above. The present invention still further provides a dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising the compound represented by formula (III) as a coupling agent. The definitions for R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ in formulae from (I) through (V) above are explained below in more detail. Specific Examples of the unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbons include methyl, ethyl, propyl and iso-propyl. Among them, methyl, and ethyl are preferred. The hydroxysubstituted alkyl group contains 1 to 3, preferably 1 to 2 hydroxy group(s). The hydroxy group(s) of the hydroxyalkyl group is preferably contained in the hydroxyalkyl group at β- or γ-position. Specific examples of the hydroxyalkyl group include 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl and 3-hydroxypropyl. Among them, 2-hydroxyethyl and 2-hydroxypropyl are preferred. Examples of the substituent which may substitute for acetyl group include fluorine atom. Specific examples of the substituted or unsubstituted acetyl group include acetyl, fluoroacetyl, difluoroacetyl, trifluoroacetyl, and propyonyl. Among them, acetyl, fluoroacetyl, difluoroacetyl and trifluoroacetyl are preferred. Examples of the substituted or unsubstituted benzoyl group include the ones having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, preferably 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and examples of the substituent therefor include methyl, t-butyl, nitro and chlorine. Specific examples thereof include benzoyl, toluoyl, m-nitrobenzoyl and chlorobenzoyl. Among them, benzoyl and toluoyl are preferred. Specific examples of the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol compound represented by formula (I) and the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol compound represented by formula (III), each according to the present invention, will be mentioned below. However, the present invention is not construed to be restricted thereby. Examples of the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol compound represented by formula (I) include 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol 2-ethyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol and 2-propyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol. Examples of 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol compound represented by formula (III) include 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-methylaminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-ethylaminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-mesylaminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-dimethylaminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-diethylaminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-benzoylaminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-acetylaminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(fluoroacetyl)aminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(difluoroacetyl)aminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(trifluoroacetyl)-aminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminophenol, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxypropyl)aminophenol, and 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)aminophenol. The 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol of the formula (I) of the present invention may be prepared by, for example, methylating a 2-alkyl-4-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl mesylate of formula (VI) to thereby give a compound of formula (IIa), demesylating the compound of formula (IIa) to thereby give a compound of (VII) and then reducing the compound of formula (VII), in accordance with the following reaction scheme: The starting compound of formula (VI) may be easily prepared in accordance with a manner as described, for example, in JP-A-62-240960. The starting compound of formula (VI) may be methylated by common methods for methylating phenols. Among these methods, the dimethyl sulfate method is convenient and effective. The demesylation of the compound (IIa) may be preferably conducted in an alkali. The compound (VII) may be reduced by a common method for reducing a nitro group. Catalytic hydrogenation or reduction with an aqueous solution of acetic acid/iron is convenient and effective. In the catalytic hydrogenation, palladium, platinum, copper or nickel may be used as a catalyst. As a solvent therefor, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate or dimethylformamide may be selected. The reaction may be conducted at a temperature ranging from room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent selected. The hydrogen gas pressure may range from 1 to 250 bar (kg/cm²). After the completion of the reduction, the catalyst is removed by filtration. After concentration, the filtrate may be easily purified by distillation or recrystallization. The reduction with an aqueous solution of acetic acid/iron may he conducted by adding a solvent miscible with the aqueous solution of acetic acid, for example, methanol, ethanol, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide, if required, and heating the obtained mixture under reflux in the presence of excessive iron. After the completion of the reaction, the solid matters are filtered off. After extracting with an appropriate organic solvent, the filtrate may be easily purified by distillation or recrystallization. The 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol of formula (III) of the present invention may be prepared by, for example, introducing substituent(s) to the amino group of the compound represented by formula (I) above in conventional manners. For example, the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol of formula (IIIa) below may be prepared by diacetylating or dimesylating a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol of formula (I) to give a compound (IV) and then selectively eliminating the O-acetyl group or O-mesyl group, in accordance with the following reaction scheme: wherein R¹, R⁴ and R 4' are defined as above. Further, for example, the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol of formula (IIIb) below may be prepared by acylating a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol of formula (I) above with β-chloroethyl chloroformate to give compound (VIII), and then conducting cyclization to give 1,3-oxazolidin-2-one (Va), followed by hydrolysis thereof to obtain 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminophenol, in accordance with the following reaction scheme. wherein R¹ is defined as above. Each of the compounds of formula (I) or (III) of the present invention may be converted into a salt of an organic or inorganic acid (for example, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, citric acid) to thereby improve the workability during the formulation. When the compound of formula (I) or (III) of the present invention is used as a coupling agent together with a known color-development material, a dyeing composition for keratin fibers showing a wide range of color tone (yellow to red to blue) can be obtained. As the color-developing material to be used in the present invention, those commonly employed in oxidation hair dyes may be selected. Examples thereof include p-phenylenediamine derivatives such as p-phenylenediamine, toluene-2,5-diamine, N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine and 2-chloro-p-phenylenediamine; p-aminophenol-derivatives such as p-aminophenol, 5-aminosalicylic acid and 2,4-diaminophenol; pyridine derivatives such as 2,5-diaminopyridine and 2,3-diaminopyridine; and pyrimidine derivatives such as tetraaminopyrimidine. Among these color-developing materials, p-aminophenol derivatives represented by formula (IX) below are preferred in combination with the compound of formula (I) or with the compound of formula (III) in which R⁴ is a hydroxyalkyl group: wherein X represents hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, carboxyl group or acetylamino group; to obtain a reddish color tone of an extremely high chroma and a high fastness. Examples of the compound of formula (IX) include p-aminophenol, 5-aminosalicylic acid, 3-carboxyl-4-aminophenol, 2-acetylamino-4-aminophenol and 2-chloro-4-aminophenol. On the other hand, p-phenylenediamine derivatives represented by formula (X) are preferred in combination with the compound of formula (III) in which R⁴ is acetyl group or mesyl group: wherein R⁵ represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, methyl group hydroxyethyl group or β-hydroxyethoxy group; to obtain a bluish color tone of an extremely high chroma and a high fastness. The dyeing composition of the present invention may comprise other coupling agent(s). In some cases, it is also possible to add a substantive dye to the dyeing composition of the present invention so as to additionally change the color. Examples of such a substantive dye include those specified as Standard Dyeing Materials published by Japan Hair Color Association, such as 2-amino-4-nitrophenol, 2-amino-5-nitrophenol, nitro-p-phenylenediamine hydrochloride, nitro-p-phenylenediamine, p-aminophenylsulfamic acid, p-nitro-o-phenylenediamine, picramic acid, sodium picramate, picric acid, chrome brown RH, hematein, nitro-p-phenylenediamine sulfate, p-nitro-o-phenylenediamine sulfate, p-nitro-m-phenylenediamine sulfate, 1-amino-4-methylaminoanthraquinone and 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone; acid dyes such as Red No. 2, Red No. 3, Red No. 102, Red No. 104, Red No. 105, Red No. 106, Yellow No. 4, Yellow No. 5, Green No. 3, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Red No. 201, Red No. 227, Red No. 230, Red No. 231, Red No. 232, Orange No. 205, Orange No. 207, Yellow No. 202, Yellow No. 203, Green No. 201, Green No. 204, Green No. 205, Blue No. 202, Blue No. 203, Blue No. 205, Brown No. 201, Red No. 401, Red No. 502, Red No. 503, Red No. 504, Red No. 506, Orange No. 402, Yellow No. 402, Yellow No. 403, Yellow No. 406, Yellow No. 407, Green No. 401, Green No. 402, Purple No. 401 and Black No. 401; oil-soluble dyes such as Red No. 215, Red No. 218, Red No. 225, Orange No. 201, Orange No. 206, Yellow No. 201, Yellow No. 204, Green No. 202, Purple No. 201, Red No. 501, Red No. 505, Orange No. 403, Yellow No. 404, Yellow No. 405 and Blue No. 403; basic dyes such as Red No. 213 and Red No. 214; and basic dyes manufactured by Arianor Co. such as Sienna Brown, Mahogany, Madder Red, Steel Blue and Straw Yellow. Among these dyes, nitrophenylenediamine, nitro-aminophenol and anthraquinone are preferable. The dyeing composition of the present invention may be (auto) oxidized coupling with oxygen in the atmosphere so as to dye, for example, the hair. However it is preferable to induce the oxidation coupling by adding a chemical oxidizing agent thereto. Examples of particularly preferable oxidizing agents include hydrogen peroxide; products obtained by adding hydrogen peroxide to urea, melamine or sodium borate; and mixtures of such a hydrogen peroxide adduct with potassium peroxide disulfate. The dyeing composition of the present invention may be preferably provided in the form of, for example, cream, emulsion, gel, solution. The dyeing composition of the present invention may be formulated into such a form by adding various additives commonly employed in the field of cosmetics (for example, wetting agent (emulsifier), solubilizer, thickener, stabilizer, texture improver, hair styling base, perfume) to the above-mentioned color-developing material and coupling agent and processing the obtained mixture in a conventional manner. Examples of the wetting agent (emulsifier) which can be used in the present invention include alkyl benzenesulfonates, fatty alcohol sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, fatty acid alkanol amides and adducts of ethylene oxide to fatty alcohols. Examples of the thickener include methyl cellulose, starch, higher fatty alcohol, paraffin oil and fatty acids. Examples of the stabilizer include reducing agents such as sulfites, and hydroquinone derivatives and chelating agents. Examples of the texture improver and the hair styling base include silicone, higher alcohols, oils such as various nonionic surfactants and various cationic polymers. These compositions may contain the color-developing material and the coupling agent in an amount in total of from 0.2 to 10 % (by weight based on the total weight of the composition, the same will apply hereinafter), preferably from 1 to 5 %. The wetting agent (emulsifier) and the thickener may be usually used respectively in amounts of from 0.5 to 30 % and from 0.1 to 25 %. It is preferable that the pH value of the total composition is adjusted to pH of from 8 to 10. Keratin fibers may be dyed with the dyeing composition of the present invention, for example, in the following manner. First, an oxidizing agent is added to the dyeing composition of the present invention so as to induce oxidation coupling. The dyeing solution thus obtained is applied to the keratin fibers. After allowing to stand for 10 to 50 minutes, preferably 25 to 35 minutes, the keratin fibers are washed and then dried. The application of the dyeing solution may be conducted at from 15 to 40°C. As described above, the use of the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol of the present invention or a salt thereof, or the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol or a salt thereof in a dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising a color-developing material and a coupling agent makes it possible to dye keratin fibers over a wide range of color tone. The color tone thus obtained is excellent in chroma, dyeability power and fastness. When the 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol of formula (I) or 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol of formula (III) in which R⁴ is a hydroxyalkyl group, is combined with a p-aminophenol derivative which is used as a color-developing material, a reddish color tone of an extremely high chroma and a high fastness can be obtained. Alternatively, when 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol of formula (III) in which R⁴ is acetyl group or mesyl group is combined with a p-phenylenediamine derivative which is used as a color-developing material, a bluish color tone of an extremely high chroma and a high fastness can be obtained. Furthermore, the color tone thus obtained is highly resistant against light, washing and rubbing. To further illustrate the present invention, and not by way of limitation, the following Referential Examples and Examples will be given. EXAMPLE 1 (i) To 200 ml of acetone, were added 19.1 g (77.3 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl mesylate, 31.2 g of sodium carbonate and 19.2 g of dimethyl sulfate. The obtained mixture was heated under reflux for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and 700 ml of water was poured thereto. Then the mixture was extracted with 700 ml of chloroform, and the extract was washed with water and dried over anhydrous Glauber's salt. After distilling off the solvent under reduced pressure, the residue was recrystallized from a solvent mixture (hexane/acetone (2:1, by volume)) to thereby give 15.4 g (59.1 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-nitropheyl mesylate. The yield was 77 %. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl mesylate: m.p.: 110.0 - 113.0°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δppm; 2.44 (3H,s), 3.25 (3H,s), 3.97 (3H, s), 6.98 (1H, s), 7.87 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 1524, 1372, 1346, 1172. Elementary analysis data: caluculated valu for C₉H₁₁NO₆S: C: 41.38 %, H: 4.24 %, N: 5.36 %, S: 12.27 %; analyzed value; C: 41.46 %, H: 4.38 %, N: 5.36 %, S: 12.28 %. (ii) In 110 ml of methanol there were dissolved 15.5 g (59.4 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-nitropheyl mesylate. Then 6.5 g of sodium hydroxide dissolved in 20 ml of water were added thereto. The obtained mixture was heated under reflux for 1 hour. After cooling, concentrated hydrochloric acid was added to thereby acidify the mixture. Then 400 ml of water was added and crystals ware precipitated. The crystals were collected by filtration and washed with water. Thus 10.9 g (59.4 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-nitrophenol was obtained. The yield was 100 %. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-nitrophenol: m.p.: 79.5 - 80.5°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm; 2.21 (3H, s), 3.83 (3H, s), 7.15 (1H, s), 7.29 (1H, s), 9.74 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBR): νcm⁻¹; 3526, 1528, 1338. Elementary analysis data: caluculated value for C₈H₉NO₄: C: 52.46 %, H: 4.95 %, N: 7,65%; analyzed value: C: 52.55 %, H: 5.06 %, N: 7.55 %. (iii) 320 mg of 10 % palladium-on-carbon, 2.90 g (15.8 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-nitrophenol and 75 ml of ethanol were fed into an autoclave (300 ml). The mixture was then hydrogenated at 50°C under 50 bar (kg/cm²) for 5 hours. After allowing to cool, the catalyst was filtered off and the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure. Thus 19.0 g (12.4 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol were obtained in the form of brown crystals. The ¹H-NMR spectra of this product showed no impurities. The yield was 78 %. The 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol was purified by silica gel column chromatography (Silica Gel 60, trade name, manufactured by Merck Co., 230 - 400 mesh, 200 g, eluent: acetone/chloroform (1:1, by volume)) and dissolved in ether. Then a hydrogen chloride gas was blown thereto to thereby give 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol hydrochloride. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol hydrochloride: m.p.: 197 ∼ 203°C (decomposed). 1H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm: 2.12 (3H, s), 3.78 (3H,s), 6.96 (1H, s), 7.02 (1H, s), 9.05 (1H, br), 9.99 (3H, br). IR spectra: νcm⁻¹; 3344, 2920, Elementary analysis data: caluculated value for C₈H₁₂NO₂Cl: C: 50.67 %, H: 6.38 %, N: 7.39 %, Cl: 18.69 %; analyzed value: C: 50.68 %, H: 6.33 %, N: 7.26 %, Cl: 18.69 %. EXAMPLE 2 Base composition: Content (%) oleic acid 10 diethanolamide oleate 8 oleyl alcohol 2 polyoxyethylene octyldodecyl ether (average addition of EO: 20 mol) 10 ethanol 15 propylene glycol 10 ammonium chloride 3 25 % ammonia 7 water 35 To 100 g of a base consisting of the above composition were added 0.01 mol of each color-developing material and 0.01 mol of each coupling agent, as specified in Tables 1 and 2 below. Next, the pH value of the composition was adjusted to 9.5 with ammonia. Thus the dyeing composition of the present invention and comparative dyeing composition were produced. 100 g of the dyeing composition of the present invention was mixed with the same Weight of a 6 % aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide to thereby give a dyeing solution. This dyeing solution was applied to human grizzled hair and allowed to stand at 30°C far 30 minutes. Then the hair was washed with the use of a common shampoo and dried. The color tone of hair thus dyed was observed. Table 1 shows the results. The color tone, chroma, color intensity and dye stability for fading were also evaluated. Table 2 shows the results. Each dyeing composition showed excellent dyeing properties. The dye stability for fading was evaluated by comparing each sample after storing at 40°C under 70 %RH for 100 hours with a comparative sample stored at -5°C with the naked eye. Color-developing material: P₁: p-aminophenol P₂: 5-aminosalicylic acid P₃: 2-chloro-4-aminophenol. P₄: 2,2,2-trifluoromethyl-4-aminophenol. P₅: p-phenylenediamine P₆: toluene-2,5-diamine Coupling agent: C₂: 2-methyl-5-aminophenol C₅: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol C₆: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol hydrochloride. Criteria for evaluation: A: very good. B: average. C: poor. Product of the invention Color-developing material Coupling agent Color tone 1-1 P₅ C₅ reddish purple 1-2 P₆ C₅ reddish purple 1-3 P₁ C₅ red 1-4 P₂ C₅ orange red 1-5 P₃ C₅ orange yellow 1-6 P₄ C₅ yellow 1-7 P₁ C₆ red Product of the Invention Comparative Product 1-3 1-4 1-7 1-1 1-2 Color-developing material P₁ P₂ P₁ P₁ P₂ Coupling agent C₅ C₅ C₆ C₂ C₂ Dyed hair trace: Color tone red orange red red red orange red Chroma A A A B B Color intensity A A A B B Dye stability for fading A A A B B EXAMPLE 3 (i) To 13 ml of acetic anhydride were added 1.90 g (12.1 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol and 0.1 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. After allowing to cool, 50 ml of (ice-)cold water was poured thereto and the mixture was allowed to stand overnight to thereby decompose the acetic anhydride. The crystals thus precipitated were filtered and recrystallized from benzene. Thus 1.85 g (7.8 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-acetylaminophenyl acetate was obtained. The yield was 65 %. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-acetylaminophenyl acetate: m.p.: 150.5 - 151.3°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm; 2.06 (3H, s), 2.07 (3H, s), 2.27 (3H, s), 3.82 (3H, s), 6.92 (1H, s), 7.70 (1H, s) IR spectra (KBr): ν cm⁻¹; 3322, 2962, 2842, 1755, 1662. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₂H₁₅NO₄: C: 60.96 %, H: 6.39 %, N: 5.92 % analyzed value: C: 60.89 %, H: 6.60 %, N: 5.84 % (ii) To 35 ml of a 0.4N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide were added 1.70 g (7.17 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-acetylaminophenyl acetate and 10 ml of ethanol. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. When crystals were completely dissolved, the stirring was ceased. Then 0.3 ml of acetic acid was added and thus crystals were precipitated. The crystals were collected by filtration, purified by column chromatography (Silica Gel 60, trade name, manufactured by Merck Co., 230 - 400 mesh, 200 g, eluent: ethyl acetate) and recrystallized from the solvent mixture of ethyl acetate/hexane (2:1). Thus 1.05 g (5.38 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-acetylaminophenol was obtained. The yield was 75 %. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-acetylaminophenol m.p.: 212.0 - 215.4°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm; 2.17 (3H, s), 2.19 (3H, s), 3.84 (3H, s), 6.85 (1H, s), 7.67 (1H, s), 8.94 (1H, s), 9.04 (1H, brs). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3390, 3136, 1653. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₀H₁₃NO₃: C: 61.53 %, H: 6.71 %, N: 7.17 %; analyzed value: C: 6.54 %, H: 7.06 %, N: 7.10 % EXAMPLE 4 (i) 20 ml of pyridine was cooled to 0°C and 2.10 g (3.70 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol and 5.3 g of methanesulfonyl chloride were added thereto. The mixture was adjusted to room temperature followed by stirring for 1 hour. Then 200 ml of water was poured thereto and the mixture was extracted with 300 ml of chloroform, and the extract was washed with 2N hydrochloric acid and a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate and dried over anhydrous Glauber's salt. After distilling off the solvent under reduced pressure, brown crystals were obtained. These crystals were purified by column chromatography (the same as the one used in Example 3) and recrystallized from the solvent mixture of ethyl acetate/hexane (2:1). Thus 2.01 g (6.50 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-mesylaminophenyl mesylate was obtained. The yield was 47 %. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-mesyl-aminophenyl mesylate: m.p.: 114.5 - 115.5°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆); δppm; 2.27 (3H, s), 2.94 (3H, s), 3.40 (3H, s), 3.89 (3H, s), 7.06 (1H, s), 7.22 (1H, s), 9.10 (1H, brs). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3248, 1354, 1332, 1174, 1154, Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₀H₁₅NO₆S: C: 38.83 %, H: 4.89 %, N: 4.53 %, S: 20.73 %; analyzed value: C: 38.77 %, H: 5.24 %, N: 4.50 %, S: 20.77 %. (ii) To 50 ml of water were added 3.0 g of sodium hydroxide and 1.40 g (4.53 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-mesylphenyl mesylate. The mixture was heated under reflux for 1 hour. After cooling, 10 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added thereto and thus crystals were precipitated. These crystals were collected by filtration, washed with water and recrystallized from the solvent mixture of ethyl acetate/hexane (2:1). Thus 0.72 g (3.12 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-mesylaminophenol was obtained. The yield was 69 %. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-mesylaminophenol: m.p.: 153.1 - 154.3°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆); δppm; 2.09 (3H, s), 2.87 (3H, s), 3.72 (3H, s), 6.76 (1H, s), 6.80 (1H, s), 8.67 (1H, brs), 8.96 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3442, 3256, 1308, 1203, 1155. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₉H₁₃NO₄S: C: 46.74 %, H: 5.67 %, N: 6.06 %, S: 13.86 %; analyzed value: C: 46.82 %, H: 6.06 %, N: 6.04 %, S: 13.88 %. EXAMPLE 5 Base composition: Content (%) oleic acid 10 diethanolamide oleate 8 oleyl alcohol 2 polyoxyethylene octyldodecyl ether (average addition of EO: 20 mol) 10 ethanol 15 propylene glycol 10 ammonium chloride 3 25 % ammonia 7 water 35 To 100 g of a base consisting of the above composition, were added 0.01 mol of each color-developing material and 0.01 mol of each coupling agent, as specified in Table 3 or 4 below. Next, the pH value of the composition was adjusted to 9.5 with ammonia. Thus the dyeing composition of the present invention and the comparative dyeing composition were produced. 100 g of the dyeing composition of the present invention was mixed with the same weight of a 6 % aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide to thereby give a dyeing solution. This dyeing solution was applied to human grizzled hair and allowed to stand at 30°C for 30 minutes. Then the hair was washed with the use of a common shampoo and dried. The color tone of hair thus dyed was observed. Table 3 shows the results. The color tone, chroma and dye stability for fading of the dye were also evaluated. Table 4 shows the results. Each dyeing composition showed excellent dyeing properties. The dye stability for fading was evaluated by comparing each sample after storing at 40°C under RH 70 % for 100 hours with a comparative sample stored at -5°C with the naked eye. Color-developing material: P₁: p-aminophenol P₂: 5-aminosalicylic acid. P₅: p-phenylenediamine P₆: toluene-2,5-diamine Coupling agent: C₇: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-acetylaminophenol C₈: m-phenylenediamine. Criteria for evaluation: A: very good. B: good. C: somewhat poor. D: poor. Production of The Invention Color-developing Material Coupling agent Color-tone 2-1 P₅ C₇ blue 2-2 P₆ C₇ violet blue 2-3 P₁ C₇ Orange yellow 2-4 P₂ C₇ Yellow Product of the Invention Comparative product 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-4 2-1 2-2 Color-developing material P₅ P₆ P₁ P₂ P₅ P₆ Coupling agent C₇ C₇ C₇ C₇ C₈ C₈ Dyed hair trace: Color tone blue violet blue orange yellow yellow blue blue Chroma A A B B B B Dye stability for fading A A A A D D EXAMPLE 6 (i) To 20 ml of dioxane there were added 5.10 g (33.3 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol and 1.86 g of calcium carbonate, and the temperature of the mixture was evaluated to 90°C. 3.90 ml (5.38 mmol) of β-chloroethyl chloroformate were added thereto and the resulting mixture was stirred at 90°C for 1 hour. After cooling with ice, insoluble inorganic salts were filtered off and 150 ml of (ice-)cold water was poured into the filtrate. The crystals thus precipitated were filtered and washed with water. Thus, 5.80 g (22.3 mmol) of N-(2-methoxy-4-methyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)-β-chloroethyl carbamate was obtained. The yield was 67%. Physical properties of N-(2-methoxy-4-methyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)-β-chloroethyl carbamate: m.p.: 177.0 - 180.5°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm; 2.07 (3H, s), 3.69 (3H, s), 3.83 (2H, t, J=5.3 Hz), 4.30 (2H, t, J=5.3 Hz), 6.73 (1H, s), 7.16 (1H, s), 8.32 (1H, s), 8.85 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹: 3408, 1694. Elementary analysis data: caluculated value for C₁₁H₁₄NO₄Cl: C: 50.88 %, H: 5.43 %, N: 5.39 %, Cl: 13.65 %; analyzed value: C: 50.70 %, H: 5.41 %, N: 5.11 %, Cl: 13.59 %. (ii) To 10 ml of water there were added 1.87 g of sodium hydroxide, and the temperature of the solution was elevated to 45°C. 5.50 g (21.2 mmol) of N-(2-methoxy-4-methyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-chloroethyl carbamate were added thereto and the resulting mixture was stirred at 45°C for 15 minutes. After cooling with ice, 20 ml of (ice)-cold water was poured into the reaction mixture and concentrated hydrochloric acid was added thereto until no further crystals were precipitated. The crystals were collected by filtration, washed with water and recrystallized from ethanol. Thus 3.03 g (13.6 mmol) of N-(2-methoxy-4-methyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one was obtained. The yield was 64%. Physical properties of N-(2-methoxy-4-methyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one: m.p.: 193.5 - 196.8°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm; 2.13 (3H, s), 3.71 (3H, s), 3.82 (2H, t, J=7.5 Hz), 4,39 (2H, t, J=7.5Hz), 6.71 (1H, s), 6.84 (1H, s), 9.03 (1H, s). IR spectra: νcm⁻¹; 3256, 1714. Elementary analysis data: caluculated value for C₁₁H₁₃NO₄: C: 59.19 %, H: 5.87 %, N: 6.27 %; analyzed value: C: 59.28 %, H: 5.94 %, N: 6.22 %. (iii) 10 ml of 5N sodium hydroxide wee heated to 70°C, and 2.76 g (12.4 mmol) of N-(2-methoxy-4-methyl-5-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one was added thereto, and then the resulting mixture was stirred at 70°C for 1 hour. After allowing to cool, 40 ml of water was poured into the reaction mixture, and acetic acid was added thereto until no further crystals were precipitated. The crystals were filtered, washed with water and recrystallized from the solvent mixture of water/ethanol (4:1, by volume). Thus, 1.10 g (5.6 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(β-hydroxyethylamino)phenol was obtained. The yield was 45%. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(β-hydroxyethylamino)phenol: m.p.: 81.5 - 82.5°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm; 1.99 (3H, s), 2.99 (2H, t, d, J=5.5, 5.5 Hz), 3.57 (2H, t, d, J=5.5, 5.5 Hz), 3.66 (3H, s), 4.51 (1H, brt, J=5.5 Hz), 4.78 (1H, t, J=5.5 Hz), 6.07 (1H, s), 6.52 (1H, s), 8.41 (1H, s). IR-spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3440, 3345, 3240. Elementary analysis data: caluculated value for C₁₀H₁₆NO₃Cl: C: 51.40 %, H: 6.90 %, N: 5.99 %, Cl: 15.17 %; analyzed value: C: 51.39 %, H: 6.88 %, N: 5.91 %, Cl: 15.03 %. EXAMPLE 7 Base composition: Content (%) oleic acid 10 diethanolamide oleate 8 oleyl alcohol 2 polyoxyethylene octyldodecyl ether (average addition of EO: 20 mol) 10 ethanol 15 propylene glycol 10 ammonium chloride 3 25 % ammonia 7 water 35 To 100 g of a base consisting of the above composition were added 0.01 mol of each color-developing material and 0.01 mol of each coupling agent, as specified in Tables 5 and 6 below. Next, the pH value of the composition was adjusted to 9.5 with ammonia. Thus the dyeing compositions of the present invention and comparative dyeing compositions were produced. 100 g of the dyeing composition of the present invention was mixed with the same weight of a 6 % aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide to thereby give a dyeing solution. This dyeing solution was applied to human grizzled hair and allowed to stand at 30°C for 30 minutes. Then the hair was washed with the use of a common shampoo and dried. The color tone of hair thus dyed was observed. Table 5 shows the results. The color tone, chroma, color intensity and dye stability for fading of the dye were also evaluated. Table 6 shows the results. Each dyeing composition showed excellent dyeing properties. The dye stability for fading was evaluated by comparing each sample after storing at 40°C under 70 %RH for 100 hours with a comparative sample stored at -5°C with the naked eye. Color-developing material: P₁: p-aminophenol P₂: 5-aminosalicylic acid P₃: 2-chloro-4-aminophenol. P₄: 2,2,2-trifluoromethyl-4-aminophenol. P₅: p-phenylenediamine P₆: toluene-2,5-diamine Coupling agent: C₁: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminophenol C₂: 2-methyl-5-aminophenol C₃: 2-methyl-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminophenol C₄: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminophenol hydrochloride. Criteria for evaluation: A: very good. B: average. C: poor. Product of the invention Color-developing material Coupling agent Color tone 3-1 P₁ C₁ red 3-2 P₂ C₁ orange red 3-3 P₃ C₁ orange red 3-4 P₄ C₁ yellow 3-5 P₅ C₁ reddish purple 3-6 P₆ C₁ reddish purple EXAMPLE 8 (i) 1.55 g of 10% palladium-on-carbon, 18.8 g (71.9 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl mesylate and 120 ml of ethanol were fed into an autoclave (200 ml), and the mixture was then hydrogenated at 50°C under 50 bar (g/cm²) for 1 hour with stirring. After allowing to cool, palladium-on-carbon was filtered off and the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure to obtain brown crystals. The crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from ethanol to thereby give 13.4 g (58.2 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenyl mesylate in the form of yellow needle-like crystals. The yield was 81%. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenyl mesylate: m.p.: 87.0 - 88.0°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δppm; 2.24 (3H, s), 3.13 (3H, s), 3.83 (3H, s), 6.79 (1H, s), 6.85 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3464, 3380, 1518, 1352. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₉H₁₃NO₄S: C: 46.74 %, H: 5.67 %, N: 6.06 %, S: 13.86 %. analyzed value: C: 46.74 %, H: 5.67 %, N: 5.85 %, S: 13.80%. (ii) 7.52 g (32.6 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenyl mesylate, 90 ml of ethanol and 4.2 ml (3.5 g, 60 mmol) of propylene oxide were fed into an autoclave (200 ml) and the mixture was stirred at 70°C for 35 hours. After allowing to cool, the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure to obtain a brown oily matter. The oily matter thus obtained was subjected to silica gel chromatography (Silica Gel 60, trade name, manufactured by Merck Co., 70 - 230 mesh, 300 g, eluent: chloroform/ethyl acetate (1:1 by volume)), to thereby give 0.33 g (1.4 mmol, 6%) of the starting material from the first fraction, 6.46 g (22.4 mmol, 69%) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxypropyl)aminophenyl mesylate from the second fraction in the form of an oily matter and 1.81 g (5.2 mmol, 16%) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)aminophenyl mesylate from the third fraction in the form of brown crystals. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxypropyl) aminophenyl mesylate: Form: pale yellow oil ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm; 1.11 (3H, d, J=6.8 Hz), 2.15 (3H, s), 2.83 (1H, m), 3.01 (1H, m), 3.34 (3H, s), 3.79 (3H, s), 3.82 (1H, m), 4.5 (br), 6.45 (1H, s), 6.73 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3450, 1532, 1362. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₂H₁₉NO₅S: C: 49.81 %, H: 6.62 %, N: 4.84 %, S: 11.08 %. analyzed value: C: 49.52 %, H: 6.85 %, N: 5.02 %, S: 10.88 %. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)aminophenyl mesylate: m.p.: 128.0 - 129.0°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, CDCl₃): δppm; 1.09 (6H, s, J=6.2 Hz), 2.34 (3H, s), 2.8 (2H, m), 3.1 (2H, s), 3.17 (3H, s), 3.50 (2H, br), 3.61 (2H, m), 3.88 (3H, s), 6.78 (1H, s), 7.16 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3272, 1514, 1364. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₅H₂₅NO₆S: C: 51.86 %, H: 7.25 %, N: 4.03 %, S: 9.23 %. analyzed value; C: 51.78 %, H: 7.21 %, N: 3.78 %, S: 9.35 %. (iii) Into 100 ml of methanol was added 2.0 g (13.1 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxypropyl)aminophenyl mesylate. After conducting nitrogen substitution at room temperature, 40 ml of 7.5N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide was added to the mixture and the resulting mixture was heated under reflux for 7 hours with blowing nitrogen gas thereinto. After allowing to cool, the mixture was neutralized with acetic acid and poured into 400 ml of water. The resulting solution was extracted with 400 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of common salt and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure to obtain an oily matter. The oily matter was crystallized from the solvent mixture of hexane/ethyl acetate (1:1 by volume) to give 2.30 g (10.9 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxypropyl)aminophenol. The yield was 49%. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxypropyl) aminophenol: m.p.: 124.5 - 126.0°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm; 1.26 (3H, d,J=6.7 Hz), 2.17 (3H, d,J=6.7 Hz), 2.99 (1H, dd,J=13.4, 7.3 Hz), 3.18 (1H, dd,J=13.4, 4.6 Hz), 3.80 (3H, s), 4.04 (1H, m), 4.5 (br), 6.21 (1H, s), 6.54 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3420, 3384, 3340 (sh.) Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₁H₁₇NO₃: C; 62.54 %, H: 8.11 %, N: 6.63 %; analyzed value: C: 62.45 %, H: 8.11 %, N: 6.56 %. EXAMPLE 9 Into 15 ml of benzene were added 2.10 g (13.7 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol, 1.28 g (13.9 mmol, 1.0 eq.) of methyl fluoroacetate and 1.64 g (30.4 mmol) of sodium methoxide and the mixture was heated under reflux for 6.5 hours. After allowing to cool, the mixture was poured into 300 ml of water, and neutralized with acetic acid and extracted with 200 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of common salt and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure to obtain dark-brown crystals. The crystals were purified by silica gel column chromatography (Silica Gel 60, trade name, manufactured by Merck Co., 70-230 mesh, 200 g, eluent: ethyl acetate) and pale brown solid matters ware obtained from the 600 - 900 ml fraction. The solid matters were recrystallized from the solvent mixture of hexane/ethyl acetate (2:1 by volume) to give 230 mg (1.9 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-fluoroacetylaminophenol. The yield was 8%. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-fluoroacetylaminophenol: m.p.: 171.5 - 173.0°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm; 2.08 (3H, 2), 3.75 (3H, s), 4.99 (2H, d, J=46.7Hz), 6.80 (1H, s), 7.60 (1H, s), 8.88 (1H, brs), 8.95 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3428, 3224, 1676. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₀H₁₂NO₃F: C: 56.33 %, H: 5.67 %, N: 6.57 %; analyzed value: C: 56.08 %, H: 5.88 %, N: 6.50 %. EXAMPLE 10 2.08 g (11.0 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol was added to 200 ml of pyridine and the mixture was cooled to 0°C. 4.20 g (24.1 mmol, 2.2 eq.) of difluoroacetic anhydride was added to the mixture and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The mixture was poured into 200 ml of water and the mixture was extracted with 200 ml of chloroform. The organic layer was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of common salt and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure to obtain crystals. The crystals were added to 35 ml of 0.4N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and 10 ml of ethanol was added thereto, followed by stirring at room temperature for 15 minutes. The solution was neutralized with acetic acid and the crystals thus precipitated were filtered out. The crystals were recrystallized from the solvent mixture of hexane/ethyl acetate (2:1 by volume) to give 1.30 g (5.6 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-difluoroacetylaminophenyl in the form of colorless crystals. The yield was 52%. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-difluoroacetylaminophenol: m.p.: 202.0 - 204.0°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm; 2.10 (3H, s), 3.75 (3H, s), 6.46 (1H, t, J=52.9 Hz), 6.82 (1H, s), 7.44 (1H, s), 9.00 (1H, s), 9.75 (1H, brs). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3408, 3304, 1694. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₀H₁₁NO₃F₂: C: 51.95 %, H: 4.80 %, N:6.06 %, analyzed value: C: 52.11 %, H: 4.85 %, N: 6.08 %. EXAMPLE 11 2.0 g (13.1 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol was added to 20 ml of pyridine and the mixture was cooled to 0°C. 3.0 ml (4.5 g, 21 mmol) of trifluoroacetic anhydride was added to the mixture and stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was poured into 200 ml of water and the mixture was extracted with 300 ml of chloroform. The organic layer was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of common salt and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure to obtain dark-brown solid matter. The solid matter was purified by silica gel column chromatography (Silica Gel 60, trade name, manufactured by Merck Co., 70 - 230 mesh, 100 g, eluent: ethyl acetate) and thereby colorless crystals were obtained from the 200 - 500 ml fraction. The crystals were recrystallized from the solvent mixture of hexane/ethyl acetate (2:1 by volume) to give 280 mg (1.1 mol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-trifluoroacetylaminophenol in the form of colorless crystals. The yield was 9%. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-trifluoroacetylaminophenol: m.p.: 201.5 - 203.0°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δppm: 2.12 (3H, s), 3.74 (3H, s), 6.89 (1H, s), 6.92 (1H, s), 9.08 (1H, s), 10.45 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3400, 1713. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₀H₁₀NO₃F₃: C: 48.26 %, H: 4.04 %, N: 5.62 %; analyzed value: C: 48.50 %, H: 4.19 %, N: 5.57 %. EXAMPLE 12 (i) 2 g (10.6 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol and 4.9 g (21.7 mmol) of benzoic anhydride were dissolved into 200 ml of pyridine and the solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solution was poured over ice, and solid matters thus precipitated were collected by filtration followed by washing with water and recrystallized from the solvent mixture of benzene/hexane to give 3.10 g (8.6 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-benzoylaminophenyl benzoate in the form of pale brown crystals. The yield was 81%. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-benzoylaminophenyl benzoate: m.p.: 203.5 - 207.8°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, CDCl₃); δppm; 8.53 (broad s, 1H, NHB₂), 8.41 (s, 1H, arm-H), 8.37 (dd, J₁=1.3Hz, J₂=8.3Hz, 2H, arm-H), 8.03 (dd, J₁=1.8Hz, J₂=7.6Hz, 2H, arm-H), 7.4-7.7 (m, 6H, arm-H), 6.81 (s, 1H, arm-H), 3.95 (s, 3H, CH₃O), 2.22 (s, 2H, CH₃). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 1654, 1722. Elementary analysis data: caluculated value for C₂₂H₁₉NO₄: C: 73.12 %, H: 5.30 %, N: 3.88 %; analuzed value: C: 73.00 %, H: 5.52 %, N: 4.16 %. (ii) 3 g (8.3 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-benzoylaminophenyl benzoate was added into the mixture of 50 ml of sodium hydroxide and 50 ml of ethanol and the solution was heated at 100°C under reflux for 2.5 hours. 40 ml of IN hydrochloric acid was added to the reaction mixture and precipitates were filtered, washed with water and recrystallized from ethanol to give 1.2 g (4.6 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-benzoylaminophenol in the form of pale yellow plate-like crystals. The yield was 78 %. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-benzoylaminophenol: m.p.: 193.1 - 193.4°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, CDCl₃); δppm; 8.60 (broad s, 1H, NHB₂), 8.42 (s, 1H, arm-H), 7.92-7.88 (m, 2H, arm-H), 7.46-7.64 (broad d, 4H, arm-H, OH), 6.70 (s, 1H, arm-H), 3.88 (s, 3H, CH₃O), 2.25 (s, 3H, CH₃). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3244, 1644. Elementary analysis data: caluculated value for C₁₅H₁₅NO₃: C: 70.02 %, H: 5.88 %, N: 5.44 %; analyzed value, C: 70.17 %, H: 6.03 %, N: 5.44 %. EXAMPLE 13 5.0 g (32.7 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol, 500 ml of palladium-on-carbon, 100 ml of methanol and 1.72 g of aceteldehyde were fed into an autoclave (200 ml). The mixture was then hydrogenated at 50°C under 50 bar (kg/cm²) for 6 hours. After allowing to cool, the palladium-on-carbon was filtered off and the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure to obtain brown crystals. The crystals were separated and purified by silica gel column chromatography (Silica Gel 60, trade name, manufactured by Merck Co., 230 - 400 mesh, 300 g, eluent: ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1 by volume)) to give 2.62 g (14.5 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-ethylaminophenol from the first fraction in the form of pale red crystals and 1.86 g (8.90 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-diethylaminophenol from the second fraction in the form of pale yellow crystals. The yields were 44% and 27%, respectively. Each of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-ethylaminophenol and 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-diethylaminophenol was purified by recrystallization from the solvent mixture of ethyl acetate/hexane (1:2 by volume). Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-ethylaminophenol: m.p.: 110.2 - 110.9C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆); δppm; 1.14 (3H, t, J=7.2Hz), 1.98 (1H, s), 2.47 (2H, dq, J=7.2, 7.2 Hz), 3.65 (3H, s), 4.34 (1H, brt, J=7.2Hz), 6.05 (1H, s), 6.48 (1H, s), 8.38 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3324, 3132, 1204. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₀H₁₅NO₂: C: 66.27 %, H: 8,34 %, N: 7.73 %; analyzed value: C: 66.48 %, H: 8.39 %, N: 7.71 %. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-diethylaminophenol: m.p.: 94.0 - 95.0C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆); δppm; 0.92 (6H, t, J=7.2Hz), 2.04 (3H, s), 3.00 (4H, q, J=7.2Hz), 3.66 (3H, s), 6.38 (1H, s), 6.60 (1H, s), 8.52 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3180, 2976, 1208. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₂H₁₉NO₂: C: 68.87 %, H: 9.15 %, N: 6.69 %; analyzed value: C: 68.90 %, H: 9.11 %, N: 6.61 %. EXAMPLE 14 5.0 g (32.7 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol, 500 ml of palladium-on-carbon, 100 ml of methanol and 3.36 g of 35% formalin were fed into an autoclave (200 ml). The mixture was then hydrogenated at 50°C under 50 bar (kg/cm²) for 6 hours. After allowing to cool, the palladium-on-carbon was filtered off and the solvent was distilled off to obtain brown crystals. The crystals were separated and purified by silica gel column chromatography (Silica Gel 60, trade name, manufactured by Merck Co., 230-400 mesh, eluent: ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1 by volume)) to thereby give 2.45 g (14.7 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-methylaminophenol from the first fraction in the form of pale brown crystals and 1.82 g (10.1 mmol) of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-dimethylaminophenol from the second fraction in the form of brown crystals. The yields were 45% and 31%, respectively. Then, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-methylaminophenol was dissolved into 50 ml of ethanol and a hydrogen chloride gas was blown thereto followed by addition of acetonitrile to thereby give 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-methyl-aminophenol hydrochloride as the purified crystals. While 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-dimethylaminophenol was recrystallized from the solvent mixture of ethyl acetate/hexane (1:2 by volume). Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-methylaminophenol hydrochloride: m.p.: 230.5 - 233.0°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆); δppm; 2.13 (3H, s), 2.76 (3H, s), 3.79 (3H, s), 6.96 (1H, s), 7.01 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3620, 3210, 2660, 2452, 1208. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₉H₁₄NO₂Cl: C: 53.08 %, H: 6.93 %, N: 6.88 %, Cl: 17.41 %; analyzed value: C: 52.84 %, H: 6.98 %, N: 7.05 %, Cl: 17.27 %. Physical properties of 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-dimethylaminophenol: m.p.: 109.5 - 110.5°C. ¹H-NMR spectra (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆); δppm; 2.04 (3H, s), 2.60 (6H, s), 3.66 (3H, s), 6.34 (1H, s), 6.58 (1H, s), 8.55 (1H, s). IR spectra (KBr): νcm⁻¹; 3150, 2960, 1202. Elementary analysis data: calculated value for C₁₀H₁₅NO₂: C: 66.27 %, H: 8.34 %, N: 7.73 %. analyzed value: C: 66.42 %, H: 8.25 %, N: 7.85 %. EXAMPLE 15 The dyeing compositions of the present invention and the comparative dyeing compositions were produced in accordance with the manner as in Example 2 except that the color-developing material and the coupling agent each specified in table 7 or 8 below were used. The dyeing solution was produced in the manner as in Example 2. This dyeing solution was applied to human grizzled hair and allowed to stand at 30°C for 30 minutes. Then the hair was washed with the use of a common shampoo and dried. The color tone of the hair thus dyed was observed. Table 7 shows the results. The color tone, chroma, color intensity, and dye stability for fading were also evaluated. Table 8 shows the results. Each dyeing composition showed excellent dyeing properties. The dye stability for fading was evaluated by comparing each sample after storing at 40°C under 70%RH for 100 hours with a comparative sample stored at -5°C with the naked eye. Color-developing material: P₁: p-aminophenol P₂: 5-aminosalicylic acid P₃: 2-chloro-4-aminophenol P₄: 2,2,2-trifluoromethyl-4-aminophenol P₅: p-phenylenediamine P₆: toluene-2, 5-diamine Coupling agent: C₉: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-methylaminophenol C₁₀: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-dimethylaminophenol C₁₁: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-ethylaminophenol C₁₂: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-diethylaminophenol C₁₃: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-(2-hydroxypropyl)aminophenol C₁₇: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-mesylaminophenol C₁₈: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-benzoylaminophenol C₁₉: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-fluoroacetylaminophenol C₂₀: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-difluoroacetylaminophenol C₂₁: 2-methyl-4-methoxy-5-trifluoracetylaminophenol Criteria for evaluation: A: Very good. B: average. C: poor. Product of the Invention 4-1 4-7 4-13 4-14 Color-developing material P₁ P₁ P₁ P₂ Coupling agent C₉ C₁₁ C₁₃ C₁₃ Dyed hair trace: Color tone red red red orange red Chroma B B B B Color intensity B B A A Dye stability for fading A A A A

Claims: Claims for the following Contracting States : AT, CH, LI, DE, FR, GB, NL A 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol represented by formula (I) below or a salt thereof: wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. A 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-nitrophenol derivative represented by formula (II): wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and R² represents a hydrogen atom or a mesyl group. A dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising a color-developing material and said 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol represented by formula (I) as claimed in claim 1 as a coupling agent. A dyeing composition for keratin fibers as claimed in claim 3, wherein said color-developing material is the compound represented by formula (IX): wherein X represents hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, carboxyl group or acetylamino group. A 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol represented by formula (III) below or a salt thereof: wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R³ represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and R⁴ represents an unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted acetyl group, a benzoyl group, or a mesyl group. A 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol derivative represented by formula (IV): wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and R⁴ represents an unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted acetyl group, a benzoyl group, or a mesyl group; and R 4' represents an acetyl group, a benzoyl group, or a mesyl group. A 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol derivative represented by formula (V): wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and n is an integer of 2 to 4. A dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising a color-developing material and said 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol represented by formula (III) as claimed in claim 5 as a coupling agent. A dyeing composition for keratin fibers as claimed in claim 8, wherein said color-developing material is the compound represented by formula (X): wherein R⁵ represents hydrogen atom, chlorine atom, methyl group, hydroxyethyl group or β-hydroxyethoxy group. A dyeing composition for keratin fibers as claimed in claim 8, wherein said color-developing material is the compound represented by formula (IX): wherein X represents hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, carboxyl group or acetylamino group. Claims for the following Contracting State : ES A process for preparing a composition comprising mixing a color-developing material and said 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol represented by formula (I) below or a salt thereof as coupling agent: wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. A process for preparing a composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said color-developing material is the compound represented by formula (IX): wherein X represents hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, carboxyl group or acetylamino group. A process for preparing a composition comprising mixing a color-developing material and a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol represented by formula (III) below or a salt thereof as coupling agent: wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R³ represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and R⁴ represents an unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted acetyl group, a benzoyl group, or a mesyl group. A process for preparing a composition according to claim 3, wherein said color-developing material is the compound represented by formula (X): wherein R⁵ represents hydrogen atom, chlorine atom, methyl group, hydroxyethyl group or β-hydroxyethoxy group. A process for preparing a composition according to claim 3, wherein said color-developing material is the compound represented by formula (IX): wherein X represents hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, carboxyl group or acetylamino group. Use of a composition prepared according to claims 1 to 5 as a dyeing composition for keratin fibers. A process for preparing a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol represented by formula (I) below or a salt thereof: wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms by methylating a 2-alkyl-4-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl mesylate of formula (VI) to thereby give a compound of formula (IIa), demesylating the compound of formula (IIa) to thereby give a compound of (VII) and than reducing the compound of formula (VII), in accordance with the following reaction scheme: wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and optionally converting the compound of formula (I) into a salt. A process for preparing a 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol represented by formula (III) below or a salt thereof: wherein R¹ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R³ represents a hydrogen atom, an unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and R⁴ represents an unsubstituted or hydroxy-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an unsubstituted or fluorine-substituted acetyl group, a benzoyl group, or a mesyl group, by preparing 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol represented by formula (I) by a process according to claim 7 and introducing the substituents R³ and R⁴, which have the above meaning, to the amino group of the compound represented by formula (I) in a conventional manner and optionally converting the compound of formula III into a salt. A dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising a color-developing material and said 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-aminophenol represented by formula (I) of claim 1 as a coupling agent. A dyeing composition for keratin fibers as claimed in claim 9, wherein said color-developing material is the compound represented by formula (IX): wherein X represents hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, carboxyl group or acetylamino group. A dyeing composition for keratin fibers comprising a color-developing material and said 2-alkyl-4-methoxy-5-substituted aminophenol represented by formula (III) of claim 8 as a coupling agent. A dyeing composition for keratin fibers as claimed in claim 11, wherein said color-developing material is the compound represented by formula (X) wherein R⁵ represents hydrogen atom, chlorine atom, methyl group, hydroxyethyl group or β-hydroxyethoxy group. A dyeing composition for keratin fibers as claimed in claim 11, wherein said color-developing material is the compound represented by formula (IX): wherein X represents hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, carboxyl group or acetylamino group.

Inventors: KAWASE JIRO C O KAO CORPORATIO, KIYOMINE AKIRA C O KAO CORPORA, NISHIZAWA YOSHINORI C O KAO CO, TAGAMI HIDETOSHI C O KAO CORPO, TAMURA TADASHI C O KAO CORPORA, YOSHIHARA TORU C O KAO CORPORA, KAWASE, JIRO, C/O KAO CORPORATION, KIYOMINE, AKIRA, C/O KAO CORPORATION, NISHIZAWA, YOSHINORI, C/O KAO CORPORATION, TAGAMI, HIDETOSHI, C/O KAO CORPORATION, TAMURA, TADASHI, C/O KAO CORPORATION, YOSHIHARA, TORU, C/O KAO CORPORATION
Applicants: KAO CORP, KAO CORPORATION
Application year: 1990
Main classification: C07C217
IPC codes: C07C233, C07C217, C07D263, C07C309