Methylacetoacetic acid has been identified in the urine of patients with an inherited deficiency of propionyl-CoA carboxylase and after isoleucine loading in the diagnosis of 2-methylacetoacetyl-CoA thiolase deficiency.

Anthraquinone derivative dye. Potent nucleotide-mimetic ligand

Hydrocinnamic alcohol exists in storax and fern balsam, also present in Vaccinium species fruits, guava fruit and peel, blackberry, other fruits, rum, white wine, shitake mushroom, matsutake mushroom and peated malt. It is a flavoring ingredient.