It is knwon that in the reaction of .alpha.-diethylaminoacetophenone with potassium cyanide and ammonium carbonate in dilute alcohol solution, 5-phenylhydantoin is formed. In this study the mechanism of the reaction by which diethylaminomethyl group is eliminated, was investigated with applying GC/MS-system. From the fragmentation pattern of mass spectrum of the unknwon compound, which has mol peak 112, it was identified as diethylaminoacetonitrile. According to our GC/MS study of the reaction mixture, it seems likely that diethylaminomethyl group is eliminated neither through the alkali degradation of .alpha.-diethylaminoacetophenone to aldehyde nor after the anticipated hydantoin formation. But it is believed that in the course of ring formation through an unidentified mechanism diethylaminomethyl group is eliminated.