Chroman

Chroman is a heterocyclic compound with the molecular formula C9H10O. It is a colorless liquid that is used as a building block in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and natural products.

Structure and Properties

Chroman consists of a benzene ring fused to a pyran ring. The compound is a saturated derivative of chromene, which is an unsaturated analog. The presence of the oxygen atom in the pyran ring classifies chroman as an ether.

Synthesis

Chroman can be synthesized through several methods, including the acid-catalyzed cyclization of phenoxypropanol derivatives. This process involves the formation of the pyran ring through an intramolecular reaction.

Applications

Chroman and its derivatives are important in the field of medicinal chemistry. They serve as precursors to various bioactive compounds, including tocopherols (vitamin E) and flavonoids. These compounds exhibit a range of biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

See Also

• Chromene
• Tocopherol
• Flavonoid

External Links

• Chroman on WikiMD