2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)ethanol, also known as tyrosol, is a naturally occurring phenolic compound with the CAS number 501-94-0. Structurally, it consists of a benzene ring substituted with a hydroxyl group at the para position and an ethanol side chain, giving it both phenolic and primary alcohol functionalities. It is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 138.16 g/mol. This compound is primarily recognized as a key building block in pharmaceutical chemistry, serving as a small molecule fragment for the synthesis of various drugs, including beta-blockers and other cardiovascular agents. It is also a significant metabolite of the amino acid tyrosine and is found in olive oil, where it exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In research, tyrosol is used as a standard for studying oxidative stress and as a precursor for more complex bioactive molecules. Beyond its pharmaceutical applications, 2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)ethanol is a versatile synthetic building block in organic chemistry. It is commonly employed as a phenol ether precursor for the preparation of polymers, resins, and fine chemicals. Its dual functional groups allow for selective protection and derivatization, making it a valuable intermediate in both academic and industrial laboratories.