The invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of the formula ##STR1## or, if appropriate, a tautomer thereof, in each case in the free form or in salt form, in whichA, X, Y, Z, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.7, R.sub.9 and n are as defined in claim 1 and the C.dbd.N double bond marked with E has the E configuration, which comprisesa1) reacting either a compound of the formula (II) mentioned above with a compound of the formula (III) mentioned above, in which X.sub.1 is a leaving group, ora2) a compound of the formula (IV) mentioned above, if appropriate in the presence of a base, with a compound of the formula (V) mentioned above, orb1) reacting a compound of the formula (VI) mentioned above with a compound of the formula R.sub.7 --A--X.sub.2 (VII), in which X.sub.2 is a leaving group, and either further reacting the compound thus obtainable, of the formula (IV), for example according to method a2), orb2) reacting it with hydroxylamine or a salt thereof, if appropriate in the presence of a basic or acid catalyst, and further reacting the compound thus obtainable, of the formula (II), for example according to method a1), orc) reacting a compound of the formula (VII), mentioned above with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl nitrite and further reacting the compound thus obtainable, of the formula (VI), for example according to method b), the E isomers of the compounds of the formulae (II), (IV) and (VI), a process for their preparation and their use for the preparation of compounds of the formula (I).