3-Ethoxycinnamic acid

3-Ethoxycinnamic acid is a polyhydric alcohol that has been shown to inhibit the growth of various microorganisms. 3-Ethoxycinnamic acid inhibits the growth of microorganisms by binding to the alkenyl groups in the cell membrane, thereby preventing them from synthesizing their own fatty acids. The binding of 3-ethoxycinnamic acid to alkali metal ions also prevents their uptake into the cell, which leads to an accumulation of these ions outside the cell and eventually results in cell death. 3-Ethoxycinnamic acid is soluble in water and may be used as a stain or quaternary ammonium compound.