4-Methoxycinnamic acid, also known as trans-4-Methoxycinnamic acid or p-Methoxycinnamic acid, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as cinnamic acids. These are organic aromatic compounds containing a benzene and a carboxylic acid group forming 3-nylprop-2-enoic acid. 4-Methoxycinnamic acid exists as a solid and is considered to be practically insoluble (in water) and relatively neutral. 4-Methoxycinnamic acid has been detected in multiple biofluids, such as urine and blood. Within the 4-methoxycinnamic acid is primarily located in the membrane (predicted from logP). Outside of the human body, 4-methoxycinnamic acid can be found in turmeric and wild celery. This makes 4-methoxycinnamic acid a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products.
Use of 4-Methoxycinnamic acid
Esters of p-methoxycinnamic acid are among the popular UV-B screening compounds used in various cosmetic formulations in sunscreen products. trans-p-Methoxycinnamic acid is found in wild celery and turmeric.