Dichlorobiphenyls having both chlorine atoms in the same benzene ring undergo mild carbonylation in the presence of 1,2-epoxypropane-modified carbonyl cobalt complex to give biphenylcarboxylic acid esters. Monochlorobiphenyls fail to react under analogous conditions. The rate and selectivity of the reaction depend on the position of chlorine atoms. Carbonylation of dichlorobiphenyls having a chlorine atom in the meta position occurs preferentially at that position. 2,4-Dichlorobiphenyl gives rise mainly to the carbonylation product at the 2-position.