1,3-disubstitued nitrobenzenes of the general formula I: ##STR1## in which X is a hydroxyl group or an amino group and R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group and their salts are suitable for use as an oxidation dye precursor of the coupler type, together with prior art primary intermediate components, for the production of oxidation dyes, preferably for the production of hair colorants. With developers of the p-phenylenediamine, p-aminophenol, 2.5-diaminopyridine, and 2,4,5,6-tetraaminopyrimidine types, primarily brown hues with great light stability are formed.