The gas‐phase kinetics and mechanism of the homogeneous elimination of CO from butyraldehyde in the presence of HCl has been experimentally studied. The reaction is homogeneous and follows the second‐order kinetics with the following rate expression: log k1 (s−1 L mol−1) = (13.27 ± 0.36) – (173.2 ± 4.4) kJ mol−1(2.303RT)−1. Experimental data suggested a concerted four‐membered cyclic transition state type of mechanism. The first and rate‐determining step occurs through a four‐membered cyclic transition state to produce propane and formyl chloride. The formyl chloride intermediate rapidly decomposes to CO and HCl gases.