Pyrones or
pyranones are a class of
heterocyclic chemical compounds. They contain an unsaturated six-membered ring, which has one oxygen atom and a
carbonyl functional group.
There are two isomers, denoted as 2-pyrone and 4-pyrone. The 2-pyrone (or α-pyrone) structure is a
lactone and is found in nature as part of the
coumarin ring system. The 4-pyrone (or γ-pyrone) structure is an
ether–
ketone found in some natural chemical compounds such as
chromone,
maltol and
kojic acid.
See also
-
Furanone, which has one fewer carbon atom in the ring.
-
, which contain a nitrogen in place of the oxygen that is part of the ring
