Abstract: A process for preparing a 3- or 4-aminobenzocyclobutene comprises aminating a 3- or 4-halo- or sulfonyloxybenzocyclobutene reactant with an aminating agent by heating at a temperature from about 80.degree. C. to a temperature at which dimerization or oligomerization of a benzocyclobutene reactant or product is a significant side reaction, in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst, for a time sufficient to aminate the halo- or sulfonyloxybenzocyclobutene reactant. In another aspect, this invention relates to a process for making a 3- or 4-phthalimido- or maleimidobenzocyclobutene, comprising reacting a 3- or 4-halobenzocyclobutene reactant with a phthalimide or maleimide compound in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst. The resulting phthalimido- or maleimidobenzocyclobutene can be hydrolyzed to a 3- or 4-aminobenzocyclobutene.