Paracoumaryl alcohol

Paracoumaryl alcohol, also called p-coumaryl alcohol, 4-coumaryl alcohol, 4-hydroxycinnamyl alcohol, or 4-(3-hydroxy-1-propenyl)phenol, is a phytochemical, one of the monolignols. It is synthetized via the phenylpropanoid biochemical pathway. When polymerized, p-coumaryl alcohol forms lignin or lignans.

Esters of p-coumaryl alcohol and fatty acids are the basis of epicuticular waxes covering the surfaces of apples.

p-Coumaryl alcohol is an intermediate in biosynthesis of chavicol, stilbene, and coumarin.

Research suggests derivates of p-coumaryl alcohol may serve as dietary antioxidants.