PURPOSE: The hydrolysis of metallyl chloride is effected in the presence of a cuprous compound as a catalyst and a hydrogen chloride acceptor to give the titled compound which is used as a starting material for resins and chemicals with decreased formation of by-products, in high yield under normal pressure.

CONSTITUTION: The hydrolysis of methallyl chloride is carried out in the presence of a cuprous compound, preferably cuprous chloride or oxide as a catalyst in a pH range from 6 to 8 using a hydrogen chloride acceptor such as alkali metal hydroxide or carbonate or bicarbonate at a temperature over 40°C up to the refluxing temperature of methallyl chloride to give methallyl alcohol. The amount of the catalyst used is 0.1W10wt% based on methallyl chloride and the amount of water is 1.7W4 times metallyl chloride. The use of a bicarbonate as an hydrogen chloride acceptor is preferred in order to maintain pH in a favorable range.