4-Methylsalicylic acid is an organic compound with the formula CH<sub>3</sub>C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>3</sub>(CO<sub>2</sub>H)(OH). It is a white solid that is soluble in basic water and in polar organic solvents. Its functional groups include a carboxylic acid and a phenol group. It is one of four isomers of methylsalicylic acid, including the naturally occurring 6-methylsalicylic acid. The compound has few applications. It is produced by carboxylation of sodium para-cresolate:
It has been prepared by hydroxylation of 4-methylbenzoic acid.