4-Biphenylmethanol is a low potency naphthalene derivative that has been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies. It is also an inhibitor of protein synthesis, which may play a role in its carcinogenic potential. 4-Biphenylmethanol has been shown to inhibit the growth of Salmonella typhimurium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain when used at concentrations of 50 μg/mL or higher. This compound can react with hydrochloric acid to form hydrogen bonding interactions, which may account for its observed antibacterial activity.
