Convenient large scale preparation of catechol estrogens.

2-Hydroxyestrone, 2-hydroxyestradiol-17beta, 2-hydroxy-17alpha-ethynylestradiol, 2-hydroxyestriol, 4-hydroxyestrone, 4-hydroxyestradiol-17beta, 4-hydroxy-17alpha-ethynylestradiol and 4-hydroxyestriol are prepared on a preparative scale from the corresponding aminophenols using a new inverse oxidation procedure. By the synthesis described both the 2- and 4-hydroxylated estrogens are available in high yields.