Quinic acid

Quinic acid is an organic compound with the formula (CHOH)3(CH2)2C(OH)CO2H. The compound is classified as a cyclitol, a cyclic polyol, and a cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. It is a colorless solid that can be extracted from plant sources. Quinic acid is present in many plants as a caffeoylquinic acid, which are esters of quinic acid with caffeic acids. Esterified with one unit of caffeic acid it forms chlorogenic acid. Esterified with two units of caffeic acid, it forms cynarine. It is found in Cinchona bark at high concentrations. It is also found in coffee beans and the bark of Eucalyptus globulus. It is a constituent of the tara tannins. Kiwifruit also have a high level of quinic acid (1–2% w/w) as a key component of their flavor.