Step 1: Understanding aryl acetic acid derivatives. Aryl acetic acid derivatives are a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) characterized by the presence of an acetic acid group attached to an aromatic ring.
Step 2: Classification of the given options. - Ibuprofen: A propionic acid derivative with structural similarity to aryl acetic acids due to its aryl group, making it the closest match
- Salsalate: A salicylate derivative, not an aryl acetic acid derivative.
- Aspirin: Also a salicylate derivative and not an aryl acetic acid derivative.
- Mefenamic acid: A fenamate derivative, not an aryl acetic acid derivative.
Step 3: Why Ibuprofen is the correct choice. Although Ibuprofen is commonly grouped with propionic acid derivatives, its structure aligns closely with aryl acetic acid derivatives due to the presence of an aromatic ring and carboxylic acid functional group.