Chlorogenic acid is a cinnamate ester obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of trans-caffeic acid with the 3-hydroxy group of quinic acid. It is an intermediate metabolite in the biosynthesis of lignin. It has a role as a plant metabolite and a food component. It is a cinnamate ester and a tannin. It is functionally related to a (-)-quinic acid and a trans-caffeic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a chlorogenate.

Chlorogenic acid is a major phenolic compound in coffee and tea. It plays several important and therapeutic roles such as antioxidant activity, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-hypertension.