The overall rate equation for the production of benzyl ether by phase transfer catalyzed strongly alkaline hydrolysis of benzyl chloride in the pseudo-steady state was derived. The effects of the concentrations and the sizes of the alkyl substituents of the catalysts, the concentration of hydroxide ions in the aqueous phase, the volume-fraction of the organic phase, the reaction temperature and the stirring speed on the production rate of benzyl ether can be explained with the derived rate equation. Under the conditions of 0.842 mol benzyl chloride, 50% aq. NaOH (2.5 mol NaOH), 42.2 mmol Bz(C 2H 5) 3NCl, 70 °C and 500 rpm, the reactions proceeded to nearly 100% benzyl ether within 2 h. The cocatalyst, NaI, is effective for improving the reaction rate, suitable amounts being ~ 5% of the substrate, benzyl chloride. The decomposition rate of the practical catalyst, Bz(C 2H 5) 3NCl, in 30% aq. NaOH at 70 °C is only about 3% per day. The conditions for producing benzyl ether by phase transfer catalyzed hydrolysis of benzyl chloride can be obtained from the rate equation and the experimental data.