The molecule is a dicarboxylic acid monoester that is methyl succinate substituted at position 2 by a phenyl group. It is a dicarboxylic acid monoester and a methyl ester. It derives from a succinic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 4-methoxy-4-oxo-3-phenylbutanoate.
4-methoxy-4-oxo-3-phenylbutanoic acid