The major reduction products with triacetoxyborohydride (NaBH 4 in AcOH) of 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyrylium salts bearing alkyl substituents in the 2- and/or 6- position are the Δ 3 -dihydropyrans with 2- and 6- substituents and the all- -2,4,6-trisubstituted tetrahydropyrans. Δ 3 -Dihydropyrans are shown to be formed 2H-pyrans by a 1,4 reduction while tetrahydropyrans result from 4H-pyrans by reduction of both enol-ether double bonds. ... – ) or by TLC ( – ), and were ...