MSI_000019904

p-Hydroxymandelic acid, also known as 4-hydroxymandelate or 4-hydroxyphenylglycolate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as 1-hydroxy-2-unsubstituted benzenoids. These are phenols that are unsubstituted at the 2-position. p-Hydroxymandelic acid has been detected, but not quantified in, a few different foods, such as anatidaes (Anatidae), chickens (Gallus gallus), and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica). This could make p-hydroxymandelic acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. p-Hydroxymandelic acid is a secondary metabolite. Secondary metabolites are metabolically or physiologically non-essential metabolites that may serve a role as defense or signalling molecules. In some cases they are simply molecules that arise from the incomplete metabolism of other secondary metabolites. Based on a literature review a significant number of articles have been published on p-Hydroxymandelic acid. p-Hydroxymandelic acid is a valuable aromatic fine chemical and widely used for production of pharmaceuticals and food additives.