The present invention relates to "a microwave induced process for the preparation of 4-vinylphenols or its derivatives" in which commercially important FEMA GRAS approved perfumery and flavouring vinylphenols (i.e. hydroxystyrenes) namely 4-vinylguaiacol (FEMA GRAS No. 2675) and 4-vinylphenol (FEMA GRAS No. 3739) as well as other useful vinylphenols such as 2,6-dimethoxy-4-vinylphenol, 2-hydroxy-4-vinylphenol, 3-hydroxy-4-vinylphenol etc. by condensation of malonic acid and 4-hydroxyphenylaldehydes or its derivatives.