A method for producing biphenyl and its derivative comprising oxidatively coupling
a benzene aromatic compound in the presence of a catalyst comprising a palladium
salt, a copper salt, and a bidentate ligand compound capable of forming a complex
with the palladium salt via the nitrogen atom and the oxygen atom in the molecule
thereof in an atmosphere containing molecular oxygen. In particular, an improved
method for selectively producing an asymmetrically substituted biphenyl derivative,
such as a 2,3,3,4-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid tetraester, which
comprises oxidatively coupling a substituted aromatic compound, such as a phthalic
diester, in the presence of the catalyst in an atmosphere containing molecular
oxygen without replenishing with a ligand.
