The synthesis of ibuprofen from 2-methylpropylbenzene and carbon dioxide using a cobalt catalyst involves several steps. Here is a step-wise mechanism for this process:1. Hydroformylation: In the presence of a cobalt catalyst, 2-methylpropylbenzene undergoes hydroformylation, which involves the addition of a hydrogen atom and a formyl group CHO to the double bond. This reaction produces 2-methyl-4- 1-hydroxyethyl benzaldehyde.2. Oxidation: The 2-methyl-4- 1-hydroxyethyl benzaldehyde is then oxidized to form 2-methyl-4- 1-carboxyethyl benzoic acid. This step can be carried out using an oxidizing agent such as potassium permanganate KMnO4 or sodium dichromate Na2Cr2O7 .3. Friedel-Crafts Acylation: The 2-methyl-4- 1-carboxyethyl benzoic acid undergoes Friedel-Crafts acylation with acetyl chloride CH3COCl in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, such as aluminum chloride AlCl3 . This reaction results in the formation of 2-methyl-4- 1-acetoxyethyl benzoic acid.4. Decarboxylation: The 2-methyl-4- 1-acetoxyethyl benzoic acid undergoes decarboxylation, which involves the loss of a carbon dioxide molecule CO2 to form 2-methyl-4- 1-acetoxyethyl benzene.5. Hydrolysis: The 2-methyl-4- 1-acetoxyethyl benzene is then hydrolyzed to form ibuprofen. This step can be carried out using a strong base such as sodium hydroxide NaOH or potassium hydroxide KOH .In summary, the synthesis of ibuprofen from 2-methylpropylbenzene and carbon dioxide using a cobalt catalyst involves hydroformylation, oxidation, Friedel-Crafts acylation, decarboxylation, and hydrolysis.