4-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid is a chemical compound found in olive oil and beer. 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid is a chemical compound found in olive oil and beer. 4-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid is obtained by reducing 4-hydroxymandelic acid with elemental phosphorus and iodine. In industry, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid is an intermediate used to synthesize atenolol, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and coclaurine.