4-Hydroxymandelic acid

4-Hydroxymandelic acid is a chemical compound used to synthesize atenolol. The compound typically occurs as a monohydrate.

Synthesis and occurrence It is produced from 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid by the action of the enzyme (S)-p-hydroxymandelate synthase: HOC6H4CH2C(O)CO2H + O2 → HOC6H4CH(OH)CO2H + CO2

4-Hydroxymandelic acid can be synthesized by the condensation reaction of phenol and glyoxylic acid: HOC6H5 + CHOCO2H → HOC6H4CH(OH)CO2H

See also Vanillyl mandelic acid 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid

References