4methyl2pyrone

4-Methyl-2-pyrone, also known as 4-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one, is a heterocyclic organic compound with the molecular formula C6H6O2. It is a derivative of pyrone, a five-membered heterocycle containing a carbonyl group. The molecule consists of a pyrone ring with a methyl group attached to the 4th carbon atom.

4-Methyl-2-pyrone is a colorless liquid at room temperature, with a characteristic odor. It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, but insoluble in water. The compound is commonly used in organic synthesis as a building block for the preparation of various natural products and pharmaceuticals.

One of the notable applications of 4-methyl-2-pyrone is in the synthesis of coumarins, a class of compounds found in many plants and with various biological activities. Coumarins are often used in the pharmaceutical industry for their anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

The synthesis of 4-methyl-2-pyrone typically involves the condensation of a β-keto ester with a formyl group, followed by cyclization. The compound can also be obtained through the oxidation of 4-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.

4-Methyl-2-pyrone is a versatile intermediate in organic chemistry, and its derivatives have been extensively studied for their potential applications in medicinal chemistry and materials science.