Pyrans

heterocyclic compounds that contain an oxygen atom and two conjugated (α-pyrene) or isolated (γ-pyran) double bonds. Pyrans are highly unstable compounds: α-pyran is only known in derivative form, and γ-pyran is a colorless liquid with a boiling point of 84°C (with decomposition; also decomposes rapidly at room temperature).

Dihydropyrans and tetrahydropyrans are most stable and more readily accessible. Important pyran derivatives are αpyrone

and γ-pyrone. The pyran ring is a structural feature of many natural substances. For example, most hexoses (aldoses and ketoses) are essentially six-membered pyranoses.