The reaction kinetics of the carbonylation of alpha-bromo-p-xplene (BrCH2C6H4CH3, BX) with iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)(5)) by phase-transfer catalysis was studied in an organic solvent/alkaline solution. The concentration of tetra-n-butylammonium bromide ((n-C4H9)(4)NBr, TBAB), NaOH, NaBr, aqueous volume and temperature were evaluated to achieve the optimum reaction condition. The reaction behavior was discussed by the apparent reaction-rate constants for BX and bis(p-methylbenzyl) ketone ((p-CH3C6H4CH2)(2)CO, BMBK), respectively, and the relationship of consumption of BX and Fe(CO)(5). The product distributions of BX with Fe(CO)(5) on various reactions conditions were measured, The activation energies was obtained at TBAB = 1.24 and 0 mmol as well.