For the preparation of flavanones having a 2′-methoxy group the acid method of chalkone condensation employing benzoates of hydroxy ketones is convenient. 5-Hydroxy-2′-methoxy flavanone and 5∶7-dihydroxy-2′-methoxy flavanone have thus been prepared. By demethylating the former with aluminium chloride 5∶2′-dihydroxy flavanone is obtained which undergoes only partial methylation in the 5-position even with excess of the reagent confirming that the 2′-hydroxyl is highly resistant. Synthetic 5∶7-hydroxy-2′-methoxy flavanone and its derivatives made by us and by Shinoda and Sato agree, but they do not agree in their properties with natural citronetin and its derivatives.

5-Hydroxy-2′-methoxy flavone does not undergo isomeric change under ordinary conditions of demethylation. 5∶2′-dihydroxy flavone undergoes partial methylation smoothly in the 2′-position thus showing the existence of marked difference between flavanones and flavones.