Nickel catalysed electrosynthesis of anti-inflammatory agents. Part I ? Synthesis of aryl-2 propionic acids, under galvanostatic conditions

Abstract

Aryl-2 propionic acids such as fenoprofen and ibuprofen, which are anti-inflammatory agents, are synthesized by electrolysing a solution of ArCH(CH3)Cl in the presence of carbon dioxide and a nickel catalyst. The electrolyses are carried out galvanostatically in an undivided cell at a large scale of 50 mmol in 100 ml of solvent (e.g. tetramethylurea). Conversion rates close to 80% and chemical yields up to 85% are achieved. Electrolyses can be performed without catalyst.