Abstract The first synthesis of 7, 8-dihydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-2-phenyl-chroman-4-one, the aglycon part of a new-type glucoside, actinoflavoside, was accomplished. The regioselective oxidation of the methyl group at the 5-position in 7, 8-dihydroxy-5-methyl-2-phenyl-chroman- 4-one derived from 3, 4, 5-trimethoxytoluene was performed by use of ammonium cerium (VI) nitrate (CAN).