The invention relates to the technical field of pharmaceutical chemicals, and particularly discloses a preparation formula of 4'-bromomethyl-2-cyanobiphenyl. The 4'-bromomethyl-2-cyanobiphenyl is prepared from, by weight, 550-650 parts of an organic solvent, 550-650 parts of water, 190-195 parts of 4'-methyl-2-cyanobiphenyl, 60-85 parts of bromide, 45-55 parts of bromate or chlorate, 150-250 partsof a hydrochloric acid solution and 450-550 parts of a recrystallization solvent. The formula overcomes the defects of the prior art, and has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, high reactionselectivity, fewer byproducts, low equipment corrosion, simple operation, low cost, low environmental protection pressure, easy product separation, safe and easy operation of bromination reagents, high bromine atom utilization rate, easy industrial production and high product purity.