MOLECULE

Vanillic acid

Vanillic acid, also known as vanillate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as m-methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives. These are benzoic acids in which the hydrogen atom at position 3 of the benzene ring is replaced by a methoxy group. Vanillic acid is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). Vanillic acid is a phenolic acid or chlorogenic acid that is an oxidized form of vanillin. Vanillic acid is also an intermediate in the production of vanillin from ferulic acid. It is found in some forms of vanilla and many other plant extracts. It is a flavouring and scent agent that produces a pleasant, creamy odour. Açaí oil is particularly rich in vanillic acid (1,616 ± 94 mg/kg). Vanillic acid is also found in wine and vinegar.Vanillic acid is a metabolic by-product of caffeic acid and is often found in the urine of humans who have consumed coffee, chocolate, tea, and vanilla-flavoured confectionary. Vanillic acid selectively and specifically inhibits 5'-nucleotidase activity (PMID: 16899266). Vanillic acid is also a microbial metabolite found in several bacterial genera including Amycolatopsis, Delftia, and Pseudomonas (PMID: 11152072, 10543794, 11728709, 9579070).