[miss_science]

I don't know where to begin!

What topics should I read to make this synthesis?

[asa029]

Start by looking at the structure of ibuprofen. Do you recognize the structure of the starting material (benzene) in the final product? What has been added to the aromatic ring? Look into electrophilic substitutions(the kind of substitution chemistry one can do on aromatic systems). Do any of these reactions allow you to add the substituents to the ring? Some of the substituents need further modification once they're been added to the benzene-framework.

If you need more help or inspiration, check out the commercial synthesis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibuprofen

[opsomath]

Try the Wikipedia article. It has two good syntheses.

Actually, you always should check wikipedia before coming on here.

All caps is considere rude, btw.