PURPOSE: To obtain the titled compound useful as a synthetic intermediate for herbicides, etc., in high yield, by treating a coordination product formed from iodophenol and cuprous cyanide with a hydrohalogenic acid.

CONSTITUTION: Iodophenol of formula II is treated with CuCN and subjected to substitution reaction by exchange of the iodine atom with the cyano group to give a coordination compound formed from a cyanophenol of formula III and monovalent copper ions. The solvent is then distilled away under reduced pressure to solidify the coordination compound, which is then treated with a hydrohalogenic acid, e.g. hydrochloric acid, to afford the aimed compound of formula I .

EFFECT: The aimed substance is obtained industrially and advantageously by an easy process.