To efficiently obtain the subject compound simply, economically in an improved conversion without impairing selectivity of reaction by reacting an aromatic hydroxy compound with carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a platinum group metal, etc., a redox agent, an ammonium salt, etc.

An aromatic hydroxy compound is reacted with carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a platinum group metal or a platinum group compound, a redox agent (preferably manganese, cobalt, copper or cerium) and a quaternary ammonium salt or phosphonium salt preferably at 50-150°C to give the objective compound. The reaction is carried out by substantially constantly maintaining pressure in a reactor and a gas flow ratio of carbon monoxide and oxygen circulating in the reactor in the presence of an organic solvent azeotropic with water. The organic solvent is preferably a compound containing no active hydrogen (preferably benzene, toluene or xylene).