Paracoumaryl alcohol
Paracoumaryl alcohol, also called p-coumaryl alcohol, 4-coumaryl alcohol, 4-hydroxycinnamyl alcohol, or 4-phenol, is a phytochemical, one of the monolignols. It is synthesized via the phenylpropanoid biochemical pathway. When polymerized, p-coumaryl alcohol forms lignin or lignans.
Esters of p-coumaryl alcohol and fatty acids are the basis of epicuticular waxes covering the surfaces of apples.
p-Coumaryl alcohol is an intermediate in biosynthesis of chavicol, stilbenoids, and coumarin.
Research suggests derivatives of p-coumaryl alcohol may serve as dietary antioxidants.
