Para-Coumaric Acid (Synonym p-Hydroxycinnamic acid.)

2.1.1 Para-Coumaric Acid

Synonym p-Hydroxycinnamic acid.

Chemical Structure

Biological Sources It is present in a variety of medicinal plant, namely: Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Liliaceae)-Barbados Aloe, Mediterranean Aloe, Curaeao Aloe; Euphorbia lathyris L. (Euphorbiaceae)-Mole plant, Petroleum plant Caper spurge; Hedra helix L. (Araliaceae)-Ivy; Hura crepitans L. (Euphorbiaceae)-Sandhox Tree; Malus sylvestris Mill. (Rosaceae)-Apple; Melilotus officinalis Lam. (Fabaceae)-Yellow Sweetelover; Trifolium pratense L. (Fabaceae)-Red Clover, Pavine Clover, Cowgrass.

Characteristic Features It occurs as needles having mp 210-213°C. It may be crystallized in its anhydrous form from concentrated hot aqueous solution, but as the monohydrate from dilute aqueous solution on gradual chilling. Its uvmax (in 95% ethanol) are 223 and 286 nm (ε 14,450, 19,000). It is practically insoluble in ligroin and benzene, slightly soluble in cold water, and freely soluble in ethanol, ether and hot water.

Source:Pharmacognosy And Pharmacobiotechnology By Ashutosh Kar