PURPOSE: To efficiently obtain the aimed compound using a tin(II) compound as a catalyst when hydroxybenzoic acid is reacted with benzyl alcohol to provide hydroxybenzoic acid benzylester.
CONSTITUTION: When hydroxybenzoic acid is directly reacted with benzyl alcohol to produce p-hydroxybenzoic acid benzylester, especially useful as a developer for heat-sensitive recording paper, a tin(II) compound is used as a catalyst to provide the aimed compound in suppressed production of phenol and benzyl ether which are by-products. Further, when an organic solvent for extraction and aqueous solution of a mineral acid are added and blended to the above- mentioned reaction product and a water phase is separated from an organic solvent phase and neutralized with an alkali, the catalyst is readily recovered without almost lowering the catalyst activity and can be repeatedly used.