NEW MATERIAL:A 2,4,4-trialkyl-7-hydroxy-4H-chromene or 2,3,4,4-tetraalkyl-7- hydroxy-4H-chromene of formula I (R1 and R2 are 1W3C primary alkyl groups; R3 is H, 1W2C alkyl and an alkyl group having one carbon atom less than R2).

EXAMPLE: 2,4,4-Trimethyl-7-hydroxy-4H-chromene.

USE: An intermediate for preparing an agricultural chemical, e.g. an insecticide, a herbicide or a germicide, a medicine, a perfume or an additive for a thermoplastic resin, e.g. a polyolefin.

PROCESS: Resorcin is reacted with an aliphatic ketone of formula II, preferably acetone, in the presence of an acid catalyst, preferably sulfuric acid or a cation exchange resin, at 15W120°C to give the compound of formula I.