PURPOSE: To produce the subject compound useful as an intermediate for agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals, dyes, etc., at a relatively low reaction temperature using a reusable catalyst at a reduced cost by halogenating benzonitrile in the presence of a specific catalyst.

CONSTITUTION: The objective compound can be produced by halogenating benzonitrile in the presence of a catalyst consisting of a zeolite containing alkali metal cation. The reaction temperature is from room temperature to the boiling point of the reaction system, preferably 100-200°C. The reaction is carried out usually under atmospheric pressure. The exchangeable cations of the zeolite used as the catalyst are preferably exchanged partly or totally with metals such as K+, Rb+ or Cs+. The amount of the catalyst is ≥0.1g, preferably 5-50g per 1mol of benzonitrile.