A convenient method for the synthesis of indobufen, which is a potent antiinflammatory agent, was described. Ethyl 2-phenylbutyrate(4) was prepared by Friedel-Crafts reaction of benzene with ethyl $alpha$-chloro-$alpha$-(methylthio)acetate(l) followed by ethylation and desulfurization of the resultant ethyl 2-(methylthio)phenylacetate(2). Ethyl 2-(p-aminophenyl)butyrate(6) was prepared by nitration of (4) and successive reduction of ethyl 2-(p-nitrophenyl) butyrate(5). Indobufen was obtained by condensation reaction of (6) with phthalic anhydride followed by reduction and hydrolysis of the resultant ethyl 2-[p-(1, 3-dioxo-2-isoindolinyl)phenyl]butyrate(7).