What is "phenylacetic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) The carboxylic acid C₆H₅-CH₂-COOH that is a plant auxin

Phenylacetic acid (PAA) ( conjugate base phenylacetate), also known by various synonyms, is an organic compound containing a phenyl functional group and a carboxylic acid functional group. It is a white solid with a disagreeable odor. Endogeneously, it is a catabolite of phenylalanine. As a commercial chemical, because it can be used in the illicit production of phenylacetone (used in the manufacture of substituted amphetamines), it is subject to controls in countries including the United States and China.