Used in the biosynthesis of various phenolic compounds in plants, p-Coumaryl-Coenzyme A serves as a key intermediate in the phenylpropanoid pathway. It is essential for the production of lignin and lignans, which provide structural support in plant cell walls. It also acts as a precursor for flavonoids, stilbenes, and coumarins—compounds involved in plant defense, pigmentation, and signaling. In metabolic engineering, this molecule is targeted for enhancing the production of valuable natural products with antioxidant, antimicrobial, or pharmaceutical properties.