Synthesis of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is useful for reducing pain (headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis), inflammation, and fever.
Ibuprofen can increase the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

IUPAC nome of ibuprofen is (RS)-2-(4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl)propanoic acid

Synthesis of Ibuprofen

Acetylation of isobutylbenzene with acetic anhydride gives p-isobutylacetophenone which on treatement with HCN yields the corresponding cyanohydrine. This on heating with HI in the presence of red phosphorus followed by hydrolysis gives the official product ibuprofen.

Synthesis of ibuprofen by the Boots process

This synthesis begins with Friedel-Crafts acylation on isobutylbenzene with acetyl chloride and completed in the following steps-

Synthesis of ibuprofen From Benzene

Ibuprofen may be synthesized from benzene by the following process-