abstract |
2-Aryl propionic acids, e.g. 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid (ibuprofen), are produced by oxidation of the corresponding 2-aryl propionaldehydes with oxygen in the presence of soluble manganese or cobalt catalysts. High selectivities are obtained with soluble manganese salts, or with soluble cobalt salts along with sodium salts. |