The nature of 3-Hydroxy-2-Methyl Benzoic Acid:
3-Hydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid is a white crystalline solid. It is soluble in water and alcoholic solvents at room temperature, but insoluble in fatty solvents. This compound has benzyloxy and hydroxyl functional groups.

Uses:

It is also used in synthetic dyes, essential oils and perfumes.

Preparation method:
There are many methods for preparing 3-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid, such as:
The reaction of p-cresol (p-cresol) with carbon dioxide under alkaline conditions produces 3-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid.
The reaction between p-cresol and formic anhydride under acidic conditions produces 3-hydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid.