Q18. Can Gattermann-Koch reaction be considered similar to Friedel Craft’s acylation? Discuss.
Answer: Yes, the Gattermann-Koch reaction can be considered similar to Friedel-crafts acylation. The reason is that in Friedel-craft acylation reactions, benzene (or any other arene) is treated with an acid chloride in the presence of anhydrous AlCl3. Since HCOCl (formyl chloride) is not stable, in the Gattermann-Koch reaction, it is prepared in situ by reacting CO with HCl gas in the presence of anhydrous AlCl3. Thus, the Gattermann-Koch reaction is considered similar to Friedel-crafts acylation reaction.
