Coumaric acid can be obtained from basic hydrolysis of coumarin, through a reaction process consisting on opening the lactone ring and cis-trans isomerization. Parameters such as reaction time, temperature, NaOH concentration, solvent and reaction atmosphere, have been thoroughly studied and analyzed, in order to determine the appropriate conditions for the maximum conversion efficiency of coumarin into coumaric acid. Experimental results show that the best conditions are a 1 hour reaction time, at 160˚C, with a 20% sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, and in an inert reaction atmosphere.