Formula C9H8O4 | Molar mass 180.157 g/mol | |
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4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (4-HPPA) is an intermediate in the metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. The aromatic side chain of phenylalanine is hydroxylated by the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase to form tyrosine. The conversion from tyrosine to 4-HPPA is in turn catalyzed by tyrosine aminotransferase. Additionally, 4-HPPA can be converted to homogentisic acid which is one of the precursors to ochronotic pigment.
It is an intermediary compound in the biosynthesis of scytonemin.
References
4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA