To provide a new aniline derivative useful as an intermediate for perfumery and pharmaceuticals and produced by converting a ketohexose which is a recyclable natural resource into a useful raw material for chemical industry by a simple method.

The objective derivative is expressed by formula I, e.g. 3- acetoxy-2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylbenzylamine. The compound of formula I can be produced e.g. by reacting (A) a 2-ketohexose pentaacetate of formula II (e.g. 2-keto-L-sorbose pentaacetate) in the presence of (B) 2-10 times mol, preferably 2-4 times mol (based on the component A) of N,N-dimethylbenzylamine in (C) an organic solvent (e.g. chloroform) at 60-150°C, preferably at 70-100°C for 3-24 hr, preferably 5-17 hr and using the produced compound of formula III as a production intermediate.