1-Alkoxycarbonyl-4-hydroxyindoles were prepared in ca. 25% yields from 5-(alkoxycarbonylamino)isoquinoline 2-oxides by irradiation in an aprotic solvent, followed by an acid treatment under solvolytic conditions. 1-Benzyloxycarbonyl-4-hydroxyindole was then converted to the title compound by catalytic hydrogenation.