PURPOSE: To obtain the titled compound using a readily available inexpensive raw material in a simple process, by reacting iodinated or brominated diphenyl ether with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a basic compound and catalyst containing a transition metal (compound).

CONSTITUTION: Iodinated or brominated diphenyl ether is reacted with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a basic compound, capable of capturing hydrogen halides formed in reaction, preferably an organic base and a catalyst containing a group VII or VIII transition metal, preferably Pd, Co, Ni or Fe or a compound thereof under, e.g. 10W300kg/cm2 total pressure of the carbon monoxide and hydrogen at 50W300°C temperature to afford the aimed compound. The transition metal (compound) is used in an amount within the range of 0.01W10mol% based on the halogenated diphenyl ether reacted.