A process for the preparation of a-phenoxy-benzaldehyde which comprises contacting the 3-phenoxy-benzyl alcohol of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and represent hydrogen or halogen with an aqueous solution of a dichromate in the presence of aqueous sulphuric acid at a temperature in the range of 50.degree. to 125.degree. C. The 3-phenoxy-benzaldehyde can be in a mixture of other organic compounds such as obtained by hydrolyzing a 3-phenoxy toluene chlorinated in the side chain at a temperature of 140.degree.-210.degree. C. under pressure.