Patent ID: 6555704
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process for preparing ibuprofen from a corresponding halide substrate, which consists essentially of:charging a reactor with 1-(4â€²-isobutylphenyl)ethyl halide; and carbonylating said halide with carbon monoxide; wherein the carbonylation takes place in an acidic medium containing water, which is present in an amount of about 10% to 300% based on the weight of the halide charged, in the presence of a palladium catalyst, wherein the mole ratio of palladium to 1-(4â€²-isobutylphenyl)ethyl halide is from about 1:75 to 1:10,000, and wherein said acidic aqueous medium further includes dissociated hydrogen ions and halide ions such that the molar ratios of dissociated hydrogen ions and halide ions to 1-(4â€²-isobutylphenyl)ethyl halide charged are each about 0.2 to 2, at a temperature in the range of about 70Â° C. to 175Â° C. and a carbon monoxide pressure of about 600 to 3,000 psig, to form said ibuprofen; and wherein said palladium catalyst includes (a) palladium having a valence of 0-2, and (b) at least one ligand, which can tolerate conditions of reaction and which is complexed with the palladium.