A New Chromone from Agarwood and Pyrolysis Products of Chromone Derivatives

Abstract

A new chromone, 2-(2-4'-methoxyphenylethyl)chromone (I) was isolated together with 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone (II: flidersiachromone) from agarwood (Japanese name; JINKOH). On pyrolysis at 150°C. I and II were found to produce 4-methoxybenzaldehyde and benzaldehyde, respectively. It is considered that these chromones, which are odorless at room temperature, contribute to the pleasant, lasting odor obtained when agarwood is burnt as an incense. © 1985, The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan. All rights reserved.