Question:
Can Gatterman-Koch reaction be considered similar to Friedel Craft’s acylation? Discuss.
Solution:
Both reactions resemble each other. In Friedel Craft’s acylation reaction, an aryl group or benzene is treated with an acid chloride in the presence of anhydrous AlCl3 and
corresponding aldehyde or ketone is formed. In Gatterman-Koch reaction, benzene is treated with CO and HCl in the presence of AlCl3 and CuCl to yield benzaldehyde.