Occurrence, synthesis and biological activity of 2-(2-phenyethyl)chromones

2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromones (PECs) are a group of naturally occurring compounds, which are characterized as phenylethyl substituent at the C2 position of chromone. They have been isolated mainly from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg. This type of natural compound is correlative with anti-diabetes, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Due to the versatile activities of PECs, more and more researchers use different improved methods to synthesize them and their derivatives. This review mainly focuses on the natural occurrence, chemical synthesis, and biological activities of PECs, which were published up until 2020.