PURPOSE: To obtain a new phenol compound having sufficient hard film performance in a small amount, compared with conventional compound and favorably used as a main agent for coating, an additive, etc., for molding materials, adhesives, binders and photosensitive printing boards.

CONSTITUTION: A hydroxymethyl group-containing phenol compound of formula I or formula II (R is CH3, OH or H). The compound is obtained by reacting a phenol compound of formula III or formula TV with formaldehyde in the presence of a basic catalyst. In the above reaction, a molar ratio of the compound of formula III to formaldehyde is preferably 1:8 to 1:24 and a molar ratio of the compound of formula IV to formaldehyde is preferably 1: 6 to 1:18.