In the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst made of palladium supported on active carbon, ethylbenzene is prepared from 4-vinylcyclohexene through catalytic transfer hydrogenation in a hydrogen donor solvent with an oxidizing agent. Reaction temperature ranges from 50 to 110.degree. C. The hydrogen donor solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohol, water, and a mixture of these. The oxidizing agent is selected from monovalent or divalent nitro compounds, water, hydrogen peroxide, NaOCl, NaClO.sub.2, NaClO.sub.3, NaClO.sub.4, oxygen and air, and used in the amount of 0.02 to 3 moles per mole of 4-vinylcyclohexene.