O-xylene and ethylbenzene are prepared by converting, 2,7-octadien-1-ol, 1,7-octadien-3-ol or mixtures containing these octadienols, or carboxylates of 2,7-octadien-1-ol or of 1,7-octadien-3-ol, or mixtures containing these carboxylates at from 200.degree. to 550.degree. C. over a catalyst.