PURPOSE: To economically obtain high-quality methyl acetate, remarkably improved in the sulfuric acid coloring test and useful as a raw material for the field of fine chemicals, such as medicines, by treating colored crude methyl acetate with an ion exchange resin and, as necessary, distilling the treatment product.

CONSTITUTION: Crude methyl acetate without conforming with the sulfuric acid coloring test described in the JISK8382-1976 or with great coloring degree if in conformity therewith is treated with an ion exchange resin (e.g., Dowex 50W-X8(R)) at ambient temperature the boiling point temperature of the methyl acetate. Distillation, as necessary, is carried out simultaneously with or after the above-mentioned treatment to purify the methyl acetate. Thereby, high-grade methyl acetate having ≤D coloring degree in the sulfuric acid coloring test of the methyl acetate and ≤3 Gardner color scale or further hardly any coloring is obtained. The ion exchange resin can be recycled for use.