The Gattermann – Koch reaction is a variant of the Gattermann reaction in which carbon monoxide is used instead of hydrogen cyanide to formylate aromatic compounds. It is named after Ludwig Gattermann and Julius Arnold Koch , and is similar to the Friedel–Crafts reaction . Gattermann Koch ’ s reaction mechanism begins with the formation of the reactive species with the help of the acid. The overall aim of the reaction is to attach a formyl group (-CHO group) to an aromatic system. An example of the Gattermann – Koch reaction is given below. The Gattermann Koch reaction is defined as a mechanism that begins with the formation of the reactive species with the usage of an Acid. The main objective of the reaction is the attachment of a formyl group (-CHO group) to an aromatic system. Learn how benzene reacts with CO and HCl to form benzaldehyde in the presence of Lewis catalysts and a co-catalyst. Find out the reaction mechanism, applications, and limitations of this electrophilic substitution process.