PURPOSE: To obtain the title substance useful as an intermediate for phenylacetaldehyde, a raw material for medicines, selectively at low cost, by reacting styrene with a monohydric lower alcohol in the presence of a Pd or copper salt in an ether solvent in the atmosphere of oxygen.

CONSTITUTION: Styrene is reacted with a monohydric lower alcohol, e.g. methanol, in the presence of (a) 0.002W0.15 mol/l based on the total amount of the solvent and the alcohol of a Pd salt and (b) a copper salt at a weight ratio of 1:1W3, in an ether solvent, e.g. THF, in a volume at least equal to the alcohol at 10W70°C in the atmosphere of oxygen to give the objective substance. A combination of PdCl2 and cupric chloride is preferred as the Pd- and copper-salts.

USE: A raw material for β-alkoxystyrenes which are intermediates for various chemical reagents.