Refluxing a solution of chromones in methanol containing ammonium formate and Pd-C leads to facile hydrogenation to chromanones.

Benzopyran derivatives Benzopyran derivatives R 0350Facile Transfer Hydrogenation of Chromones. -A catalytic transfer hydrogenation process of title compounds (I) with ammonium formate as hydrogen source is described. In the case of (III), cleavage of benzylic C-O bond is observed and (V) undergoes concomitant dehalogenation. -(SABUI, S. K.; MONDAL, P.; VENKATESWARAN*, R. V.; J. Chem. Res., Synop. 2002, 9, 428-429; Dep. Org.