To provide a method for synthesizing a compound as an intermediate for rubrene synthesis without using any highly toxic compound.

The method for producing an aromatic compound represented by formula (3) (wherein, R3 is H, alkyl, alkoxy or aryl; m and n are each an integer of 0-3; and R5 is H, alkyl, alkoxy or aryl) includes conducting a cross coupling reaction between a compound (wherein, Ar in the formula (3) is alkoxy) and a compound represented by formula: Ar-Y (wherein, Ar is aryl; and Y is boric acid residue or borate residue) in the presence of a transition metal complex.