A method for preparing a 1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl acetic acid compound of formula (4), whereby a compound of formula (1), wherein R1 represents an alkyl group or aryl group, is reacted, with a compound of formula (2), wherein R2 represents an alkyl group, R3 represents an alkyl group or aryl group, A represents an acid substance, and n is 0, 0.5 or 1, in the presence of water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and NaOH or CH 3 COOM, in which latter M represents an alkali metal, to produce a compound represented by the below-given formula (3), wherein R1 and R2 have the same meanings as those in formulas (1) and (2), and then adding M 2 CO 3 , wherein M has the same meaning as defined above, the solution is heated to obtain the compound of formula (4).

The compound of formula (4) wherein R1 is 4-tert-butylphenyl is new and can be used for the production of photographic couplers, pharmaceutical or agricultural compounds.