FAQ

3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₉H₁₀O₃. It is also known by several synonyms, including 3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, m-Hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, and 3-Hydroxyhydrocinnamic acid.

Key Properties

• Appearance: Solid, typically in the form of a pale beige to light brown crystalline powder.
• Molecular Weight: 166.17 g/mol.
• Melting Point: Approximately 111°C.
• Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, and ethyl ether.

Biological Activity

• Endogenous Metabolite: It is a flavonoid metabolite formed by human microflora, indicating its presence in the body as a result of microbial metabolism.
• Vasodilatory Activity: Studies have shown that 3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid exhibits vasodilatory effects, meaning it can help relax and widen blood vessels. This property suggests potential applications in cardiovascular health.

Applications

• Research Use: It is primarily used in scientific research, particularly in studies related to cardiovascular diseases and the role of microbial metabolites in human health.
• Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Due to its biological activity, it may serve as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals targeting vascular health or related conditions.

Safety and Handling

• Toxicity: Limited data on acute toxicity suggest it has a similar level of harm as table salt (LD50 comparable to NaCl). However, it is slightly hazardous to water and should not be allowed to contaminate groundwater or water systems.
• Storage: It should be stored in sealed containers in a cool, dry place, away from oxidizing agents.

Synthesis and Availability

• Synthetic Routes: Various synthetic methods exist, involving precursors such as 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid or 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid esters.
• Commercial Availability: It is commercially available from suppliers like Sigma-Aldrich, MCE (MedChemExpress), and others, with purities typically ranging from 95% to 99%.