4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HBA) is a phenolic compound found in Gastrodia elata. It is as an antioxidant and anti-asthmatic agent.4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol can be used as a precursor for the synthesis of:• HBA-incorporated copolyoxalate (HPOX) nanoparticles as potential drug delivery system.• Poly(4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol) by enzyme catalyzed reaction.• 4-Hydroxybenzyl imidazole derivatives.;4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HBA) is a phenolic compound found in Gastrodia elata. It is as an antioxidant and anti-asthmatic agent.4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol can be used as a precursor for the synthesis of:• HBA-incorporated copolyoxalate (HPOX) nanoparticles as potential drug delivery system.• Poly(4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol) by enzyme catalyzed reaction.• 4-Hydroxybenzyl imidazole derivatives.