Which of these drugs is prepared using the Heck reaction?
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Acetaminophen
Answer
Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is prepared using the Heck reaction, a palladium-catalyzed carbon-carbon bond-forming reaction. This reaction involves the coupling of an aryl or vinyl halide with an alkene or alkyne in the presence of a palladium catalyst and a base.
From Catalysts to Chemistry: Unraveling the Genius of Richard F. Heck