PURPOSE: To obtain a new compound useful as a production raw material for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, liquid crystal compounds, additives for liquid crystal compositions, etc., and for the production of ferroelectric liquid crystal compound having high response speed.

CONSTITUTION: This 4-alkyl-2-fluorocyclohexanol is a compound expressed by formula I (R is a 1-20C alkyl), e.g. 4-methyl-2-fluorocyclohexanol. The compound of formula I can be produced by the hydrogenation of a p-alkyl-o- fluorophenol of formula II in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst in a solvent.