A subject for the invention is to obtain trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic
acid (t-CHDA) in a high concentration by efficiently isomerizing
cis-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (c-CHDA) by a simple method. The
invention provides: (1) a process for producing t-CHDA which comprises
heating crude CHDA to 180.degree. C. or higher in an inert atmosphere and
causing the t-CHDA formed by isomerization to precipitate in the molten
c-CHDA while holding the crude CHDA at a temperature in the range of not
lower than 180.degree. C. and less than the melting point of t-CHDA; (2)
a process for producing t-CHDA, wherein crude CHDA which is powdery or
granular is heat-treated at a temperature of not lower than the melting
point of c-CHDA and lower than the melting point of t-CHDA to thereby
isomerize the cis isomer to the trans isomer while maintaining the
powdery or granular state; (3) a process for producing t-CHDA, wherein
crude CHDA is held at a temperature of not lower than the melting point
of c-CHDA and lower than the melting point of t-CHDA in an inert
atmosphere while maintaining flowing to thereby obtain powdery or
granular t-CHDA; and (4) a process for purifying crude CHDA in which
crude CHDA obtained through the step of hydrogenating TPA or the like is
heated in an atmosphere of an inert gas to volatilize and remove
impurities.