Modification of Ibuprofen Synthesis Through The Me
Modification of Ibuprofen Synthesis Through The Me
DOI: 10.54254/2753-8818/45/20240519
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h20000720@hanyang.ac.kr
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songyulai489@gmail.com
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18145820005@163.com
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yueying.huang@chem.ox.ac.uk
*corresponding author’s e-mail: yueying.huang@chem.ox.ac.uk
Abstract. Ibuprofen is a common anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was first invented and
patented by Boots UK back in the 1960s. Even though ibuprofen is made in huge amounts
worldwide nowadays, researchers are still trying to improve how it's synthesized to make the
process more efficient, sustainable, and less harmful to the environment. This paper looks at how
ibuprofen synthesis methods have evolved over history, from Boots' original approach to more
recent stuff like the BHC process, using electrochemistry, and continuous flow systems. It
examines the mechanism, green chemistry measures, and the pros and cons of each technique.
While it gave the first usable manufacturing method, Boots' synthesis wasn't so great with its
atom economy. The BHC synthesis boosted yield and atom economy a lot by streamlining the
process. Newer ways aim to make it even more selective and sustainable by using novel
chemistries and tighter process control. Basically, ibuprofen synthesis has steadily progressed
over time thanks to step-by-step innovation and a better understanding of the mechanisms. The
paper suggests ways forward to produce this important drug in safer, more efficient, eco-friendly
ways using modern green chemistry practices. Any pharmaceutical synthesis impacts people and
the environment, so we gotta keep improving processes.
1. Introduction
Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has become a ubiquitous presence in
worldwide healthcare due to its widespread use for alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and
lowering fever. This widespread usage can be attributed to its over-the-counter availability, potent
therapeutic benefits, and comparatively minimal side effects. Despite its pervasive presence, the
synthesis of ibuprofen is still a subject of ongoing research, with continuous efforts to refine and improve
its production process. The main focus of such research involves optimizing the synthetic procedure to
maximize yield, reduce reaction time, and minimize the use of hazardous reagents or catalysts. As the
© 2024 The Authors. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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2. Discussion
Mechanism:
①Figure 2 shows Ethyl chloroacetate is first deprotonated at its halogenated site, resulting in a
carbanion that is stabilized by resonance with its enolate form. This nucleophile makes an attack on
carbonyl carbon in compound 1-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethan-1-one. Following the expulsion of the chloride
leaving group, the oxygen anion of the resultant tetrahedral intermediate takes part in an intramolecular
SN2 reaction to create the,α,β-epoxy ester ethyl 3-(4-isobutylphenyl)-3-methyloxirane-2-carboxylate.
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Atom economy=206/514.5=40%
Analyse:
By using this method ibuprofen can be made of materials that are readily accessible.
Additionally,it can also lower the energy cost and equipment corrosion. Table 1 shows the atom
economy of Boot's synthesis is only 40%, in other words, the ingredients utilized in the synthesis were
wasted to a greater than 50% extent.For example, the UK market for ibuprofen is about 3 ×10 6 Kg per
year,and the waste will be 4.5 ×10 6 Kg.[11] Besides, the reactions are complex(6 steps)and the use of
Alcl3 can cause environmental pollution.
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However, HF takes the place of the Alcl3. The aromatic ketone 1-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethan-1-one is
hydrogenated to the alcohol 1-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethan-1-ol in the following synthesis process. By
activating H2 by surface adsorption, the palladium catalyst speeds up the process. Additionally, the
ketone adheres to the palladium surface [13]. By bringing it close to the activated H2, this encourages
hydrogenation.
Another palladium-catalyzed reaction, carbonylation of alcohol 1-(4-isobutylphenyl)ethan-1-ol with
carbon monoxide, is the last step. Following is a potential mechanism [14]. Alcohol 1-(4-
isobutylphenyl)ethan-1-ol is in equilibrium with its benzyl chloride analog in the presence of copious
hydrochloric acid. The benzyl chloride is added oxidatively to the palladium core to start the catalytic
cycle. The Pd-C sigma bond is subsequently completed by the addition of carbon monoxide. Finally,
the catalyst is revived and the ibuprofen is released by water's nucleophilic attack on the acyl
intermediate.(see Figure 7)
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Atom economy=206/266=77%
Analyse:
The BHC synthesis is ultimately a much "greener" method since it offers a number of advantages
over the Boots synthesis. The synthesis, obviously, requires fewer steps to complete than the latter.The
conversion of isobutylbenzene to ibuprofen takes place in three steps as opposed to six in the Boots
method.The technique also achieves twice the atom utilization (77%) of the original Boots process
(40%), demonstrating improved atom economy(As can be seen from the Table 2 that the BHC synthesis
has a higher atomic economy than Boot's synthesis).And BHC synthesis does not use aluminum chloride
that causes pollution to the environment.Last but not least, the procedure featured effective separation
and recovery of catalysts and reaction byproducts, which reduced the amount of waste generated.
The BHC synthesis stil use hazardous material(HF) .Besides,the atom economy is only 77%, and
using this method to produce ibuprofen in large quantities would result in significant waste.In the
future,a simpler, more effective, and stereo-specific method is still needed for ibuprofen's synthesis..
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Analyse
Continuous-flow synthesis allows for greater control over reaction conditions, potentially resulting
in improved yields and purities. The technique is easily scaled up without requiring significant changes,
making it suited for large-scale production. When compared to batch procedures, flow chemistry
frequently entails handling smaller volumes of hazardous compounds at any given time, lowering the
risk of accidents and exposure. Continuous-flow systems provide for exact control of reaction
parameters like temperature, pressure, and reaction time. This can increase selectivity and limit the
generation of undesirable byproducts. When compared to traditional batch synthesis, the effective use
of reagents, reduced waste generation, and enhanced energy efficiency in flow processes can result in a
smaller environmental imprint. Complex multistep syntheses can be incorporated easily into a single
continuous-flow system, eliminating the need for intermediate isolations and purifications.
Nonetheless, setting up a continuous-flow system necessitates the use of specialized equipment such
as pumps, reactors, and control systems. The initial investment might be substantial, especially for small-
scale companies. Continuous-flow systems can become clogged or blocked, particularly when working
with solid reactants or precipitates. This can cause the process to be disrupted and require cleaning and
maintenance. While flow chemistry allows for faster optimization, it can also make identifying optimal
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conditions more challenging due to the dynamic nature of the reactions and the intricate interplay of
variables.
3. Conclusion
In conclusion, this essay has examined how ibuprofen synthesis techniques have evolved over the past
many decades. Even though the original Boots synthesis had limitations including low atom economy
and the use of potentially dangerous chemicals, it developed the first feasible approach for the
manufacturing of ibuprofen. With fewer stages, less waste, and greater atom economy than the Boots
technique, the BHC synthesis greatly outperformed it. To further improve sustainability, efficiency, and
selectivity, more contemporary methods including electrochemical carboxylation and continuous flow
systems have been developed.
The specific methods continue to advance even as the fundamental goals—maximizing productivity
and purity while reducing cost, waste, and environmental impact—remain consistent. Every new
technique expands on what has come before and fixes flaws in older techniques. This incremental
breakthrough has greatly improved the way this vital analgesic medication is produced. There is still a
lot of room for the ibuprofen synthesis process to be made even more efficient, secure, and eco-friendly
with the use of contemporary green chemistry concepts and cutting-edge technology.
To help with the construction of synthetic routes, research should concentrate on completely
clarifying reaction processes going forward. Spectroscopic investigation as well as computer modeling
can offer insightful molecular-level information. Processes should be evaluated using thorough lifecycle
and sustainability criteria that cover everything from the procurement of raw materials to the disposal
of trash. Emerging ibuprofen manufacturing techniques can strive for optimal synthesis—efficient,
selective, scalable, safe, and producing minimal waste—by adopting a holistic approach. The objective
of developing completely green, next-generation procedures for this essential medication may be
achieved with persistent research and innovation.
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