What is "homogentisic acid"

n. (context chemistry English) 2,5-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid.

n. an acid formed as an intermediate product of the metabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine [syn: alkapton, alcapton]

Homogentisic acid (2,5-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) is a phenolic acid found in Arbutus unedo (strawberry-tree) honey. It is also present in the bacterial plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli as well as in the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica where it is associated with the production of brown pigments.

It is less commonly known as melanic acid, the name chosen by William Prout.