Novel coupling components

An agent for dyeing keratin fibers (especially human hair) contains as coupler in a cosmetically-acceptable carrier a m-phenylenediamine derivative which is itself claimed as a new compound. An agent for dyeing keratin fibers (especially human hair) contains as coupler in a cosmetically-acceptable carrier a m- phenylenediamine derivative of formula (I) which is itself claimed as a new compound. [Image] R 1>1-4C alkyl or 1-4C monohydroxyalkyl; R 2>methyl or ethyl and when R 1>O is in the ortho or meta position to both amino groups R 2> can also be H; and R 3> and R 4>2-6C hydroxyalkyl. Independent claims are also included for the following novel intermediates: bis-(2-chloroethyl)(4-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3-phenylene)biscarbamate; bis-(2- chloroethyl)(2-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3-phenylene)biscarbamate; bis-(2-chloroethyl)(4- methoxy-1,3-phenylene)biscarbamate; 3,3'-(4-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3- phenylene)bis(1,3-oxazolidin-2-one); 3,3'-(2-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3- phenylene)bis(1,3-oxazolidin-2-one); and 3,3'-(2-methoxy-1,3-phenylene)bis(1,3- oxazolidin-2-one).