Compounds of formula VIII can be obtained by treatment of a p-hydroxyphenyl alkyl ketone or a p-halophenyl alkyl ketone, with a nitrating agent such as fuming nitric acid at a temperature of about -20??? C. to 20??? C. preferably at about -20??? C. or 0??? C. depending on whether R2' is hydroxyl or halogen to generate a compound of formula ##STR14## followed by, in the case of hydroxyl, optional