Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I); wherein X is halogen; Y is ZR1; Z is oxygen or sulphur; and R1 is C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 haloalkyl or C3-7 cloalkyl; the process comprising either: hydrogenating a compound of formula (II); with a suitable transition metal catalyst in a C1-6 aliphatic alcohol, an ether, an hydrocarbon as solvent; or, conducting a one-pot hydrogenation of a compound of formula (III): wherein R2 is phenyl optionally substituted by chloro, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy or (C1-6 alkyl)2N; firstly at about 20° C. to form a compound of formula (IV): and then at about 40° C.; both steps (I) and (ii) being carried out in the presence of a suitable catalyst and in the presence of a suitable solvent.