3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol

3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG, MOPEG) is a metabolite of norepinephrine degradation. In the brain, it is the principal norepinephrine metabolite. It is released into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid,^[1] and a blood sample of it may therefore be an indication of recent sympathetic nervous system activity.

3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol

Names
IUPAC name 1-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) ethane-1,2-diol
Other names MHPG
Identifiers
CAS Number	534-82-7 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image Interactive image
ChemSpider	10348 Y
KEGG	C05594 Y
MeSH	Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol
PubChem CID	10805
UNII	98LK01183Z Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID20862142
InChI InChI=1S/C9H12O4/c1-13-9-4-6(8(12)5-10)2-3-7(9)11/h2-4,8,10-12H,5H2,1H3 Y Key: FBWPWWWZWKPJFL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C9H12O4/c1-13-9-4-6(8(12)5-10)2-3-7(9)11/h2-4,8,10-12H,5H2,1H3 Key: FBWPWWWZWKPJFL-UHFFFAOYAR
SMILES COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C(CO)O)O Oc1ccc(cc1OC)C(O)CO
Properties
Chemical formula	C9H12O4
Molar mass	184.18918
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). N verify (what is YN ?) Infobox references

Low levels of MHPG in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid are associated with anorexia nervosa and pathological gambling, indicating that norepinephrine may play a role in these behaviors.^[2]

Norepinephrine degradation. 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol is shown at right. Enzymes are shown in boxes.[3]