Benzonitrile and acetonitrile are synthesized from ethylbenzoate and ethylacetate over HZSM-5 (Si/Al = 30, 150 and 280), HY, H-mordenite, SAPO (TPA-40 type) and modified SiO2-Al2O3 catalysts. The typical maximum yields of benzonitrile obtained were 85.4 and 97.1% over HZSM-5 (30) and ThO2-SiO2-Al2O3 catalysts; respectively. The yields of acetonitrile were 80.6 and 79.4% over HZSM-5 (30) and HY catalysts, respectively.