The molecule is a methyl ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid with methanol. It has a role as an antioxidant, a neuroprotective agent and a plant metabolite. It is a methyl ester and a member of catechols. It derives from a 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid.
methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate