organic compounds
Open access
In the title compound, C14H16N2O3, an analog of the chromophore in green fluorescent protein, the methoxyphenyl substituent and the imidazole N adopt a Z conformation with respect to the C=C bond. Aside from the hydroxyethyl group, the molecule is approximately planar, with the five- and six-membered ring planes forming a dihedral angle of 9.3 (1)°. An intramolecular C—HN contact occurs. In the crystal, O—HN hydrogen bonds link the molecules, forming chains along the b-axis direction. C—HO hydrogen bonds are also observed.