The present invention provides a method for producing a 1-biphenylmethylimidazole compound having superior angiotensin II receptor antagonistic activity, or an intermediate thereof.The present invention provides a method for producing a compound having the formula (5) (R1, Ra: H, an alkyl group) by oxidizing a compound having the formula (1) (Ra: H, an alkyl group) using an oxidizing agent in the presence of a radical initiation reagent, and then reacting with an ammonia-generating reagent and a compound having the formula R1CHO (R1: H, an alkyl group) or a compound having the formula R1C(ORb)3 (R1: H, an alkyl group Rb: an alkyl group).
