3.80 g of methyl 5-methanesulfonyl-4-(4-nitro-3-pentafluorosulfanyl-phenoxy)-2-methylbenzoate (example 1) were dissolved in 30 ml of HOAc and 30 ml of MeOH, admixed with 200 mg of Pd/C (10%) and hydrogenated under 6 bar of hydrogen pressure for 24 h. Since the reaction was not yet complete, a further 300 mg of Pd/C (10%), 30 ml of HOAc and 30 ml of MeOH were added and the mixture was hydrogenated under 6 bar of hydrogen pressure for a further 24 h. Subsequently, the catalyst was filtered off and the solvents were removed under reduced pressure. 3.4 g of a light gray solid were obtained, mp 175° C. (with decomposition).
