The molecule is a muconic semialdehyde that is hexa-2,4-dienoic acid substituted at positions 4 and 6 by hydroxy and oxo groups respectively (the 2E,4Z-isomer). It is a muconic semialdehyde and a 3-oxo aldehyde. It is a conjugate acid of a (2E,4Z)-4-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoate.
(2E,5E)-6-hydroxy-4-oxohexa-2,5-dienoic acid