The molecule is a 2-oxo monocarboxylic acid that results from the formal aldol condensation of the methyl group of pyruvic acid with the aldehyde group of 2-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)benzaldehyde. It is a 2-oxo monocarboxylic acid, a member of phenols and an aromatic primary alcohol. It derives from a pyruvic acid.
(E)-4-[2-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]-2-oxobut-3-enoic acid