Abstract: The use of S(−)sodium 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)-propionate (the sodium salt of S(+)-ibuprofen) in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of inflammation, pain and pyrexia is described. Preferred compositions comprise S(−)sodium 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)-propionate dihydrate. Processes to prepare S(−)sodium 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionate and its use in a process to prepare S(+) 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid of high enantiomeric purity are also described.

Abstract: Improvements to a six stage process for production of sodium l-thyroxine from l-tyrosine ?described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,889,363 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,889,364 (Baxter)! are described, the improvements comprising the oxidative coupling of a diiodo-l-thyrosine to form a biphenyl ether derivative, catalysed by a manganese salt in which the amine and acid functionally of the diiodo-l-thyrosine have been protected by suitable protecting groups, characterised in that the reaction is performed at a pressure of about 20 atmospheres in the presence of an organic amine additive using a gaseous oxidant comprising oxygen and optionally an inert diluent. The process optionally further comprises acid hydrolysis of the biphenyl ether derivative with hydrochloric acid to form a l-thyroxine hydrochloride salt and generation of sodium-l-thyroxine from the l-thyroxine hydrochloride salt.