The Gattermann-Koch reaction, named for the German chemists Ludwig Gattermann and Julius Arnold Koch, in organic chemistry refers to a Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction in which carbon monoxide and hydrochloric acid are used in-situ with Friedel-Crafts catalyst, namely AlCl₃ to produce a benzaldehyde-derivative from a benzene-derivative in one step. Benzaldehyde and many aromatic aldehydes are conveniently synthesized by this reaction. Presence of traces of copper(I) chloride are also needed.

An example would be the conversion of toluene to p-tolualdehyde.

See also

• Friedel-Crafts reaction
• Gattermann reaction

References