4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde is one of the three isomer

Isomer

In chemistry, isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulas. Isomers do not necessarily share similar properties, unless they also have the same functional groups. There are many different classes of isomers, like stereoisomers, enantiomers, geometrical...

s of hydroxybenzaldehyde. It can be found in the orchid Gastrodia elata

Gastrodia elata

Gastrodia elata is a saprophytic perrenial herb of the Orchidaceae family. It is found in Nepal, Bhutan, India, Japan , North Korean, Siberia, Taiwan as well as mainland China...

.

Chemistry

The Dakin oxidation is an organic redox reaction in which an ortho- or para-hydroxylated phenyl aldehyde (2-hydroxybenzaldehyde or 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde) or ketone reacts with hydrogen peroxide in base to form a benzenediol

Benzenediol

Benzenediols or dihydroxybenzenes are organic chemical compounds in which two hydroxyl groups are substituted onto a benzene ring. These aromatic compounds are classed as phenols, and more specifically as polyphenols...

 and a carboxylate. Overall, the carbonyl group is oxidized, and the hydrogen peroxide is reduced.

Metabolism

p-hydroxybenzaldehyde dehydrogenase is an enzyme found in carrots (Daucus carota).