The molecule is a member of the class of dihydronaphthalenes that is 1,2-dihydronaphthalene which is substituted at positions 1, 1, 4, and 6 by methyl, methyl, phenyl, and 2-(p-carboxyphenyl)vinyl groups, respectively (the E isomer). It is a potent retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARbeta) agonist that acts as an antagonist against RARalpha and RARgamma. It has a role as a retinoic acid receptor beta agonist, a retinoic acid receptor gamma antagonist, a retinoic acid receptor alpha antagonist and a teratogenic agent. It is a member of dihydronaphthalenes, a member of benzoic acids and a stilbenoid.
4-[(E)-2-(5,5-dimethyl-8-phenyl-6H-naphthalen-2-yl)ethenyl]benzoic acid