Disclosed is a process for preparing a 6-chloro-2,5-dicarbonamido phenol compounds comprising a step employing a 2-alkyl-6-aminobenzoxazole to form a 2-alkyl-6-amino-7-chlorobenzoxazole in which the 2-alkyl group is unbranched at the α carbon. It also provides intermediate compounds useful in the process. The process provides a simple and safe way to prepare 6-chloro-2,5-dicarbonamido phenol compounds in good yield.