PURPOSE: To efficiently obtain the title compound which is an intermediate for synthesizing various kind of organic compounds such as styrene without causing side reaction by subjecting acetophenone to catalytic hydrogenation using hydrogen gas in the presence of a palladium catalyst together with a specific additive.

CONSTITUTION: Acetophenone is subjected to catalytic hydrogenation with a hydrogen gas using a hydroxide (preferably lithium hydroxide) of alkali metal as an additive to provide the aimed compound. The reaction temperature is normally 140-220°C, preferably 150-200°C and reaction pressure is normally 10-100atom, preferably 15-50atom. Furthermore, although the above-mentioned additive is preferably added to a raw material liquid in solid state, it may be added in a state of aqueous solution. Addition amount of the additive is preferably at least ≥0.1wt.% based on acetophenone. The palladium catalyst is preferably used at an amount of ≥0.1wt.%.