PURPOSE: To obtain phenol from raw material of low cost with one process in high yield by contact reacting in vapor phase of benzene, hydrogen chloride and oxygen in the presence of catalyst.

CONSTITUTION: Benzene, hydrogen chloride, preferably aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid and oxygen are subjected to contact reaction in vapor phase in the presence of a catalyst having both functions of oxychlorinating function and hydrolyzing function such as copper phosphate, chromium phosphate or iron phosphate and preferably in the co-existence of water, usually in an atmosphere of oxygen or oxygen-containing inert gas, under normal pressure or increased pressure at a temperature of 200-500°C, preferably 250-475°C, thus phenol is obtained from benzene of low cost with one process in high yield and in high purity as by-product is small and selectivity is excellent. Besides, by-produced hydrogen chloride is able to be reused.