A process for producing 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (a-BPDA), comprising dehydrating 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid in an inert gas atmosphere under heating at 180 to 195° C is disclosed. This process produces high-purity a-BPDA which is suitable for production of a polyimide.