There are disclosed certain aminoether compounds which are useful as intermediates in the preparation of photographic image dye providing materials. The aminoethers are represented either by the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or an alcohol protecting group and R.sub.1 is hydrogen, alkyl or aralkyl such as benzyl or phenethyl; or the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are alkyl having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together represent the carbon atoms necessary to form, together with the oxygen atoms to which they are bonded and >CH, a five or six member saturated heterocyclic moiety which may include substituted rings and fused rings.