This invention relates to substituted 2-amino chromones of the general structure I: ##SPC1##wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 may be hydrogen, hydroxy, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy of 1-6 carbon atoms, halogen such as chloro or bromo, or aryl such as phenyl, and X may be cyano or carboxamido. Two novel procedures for preparing substituted 2-amino chromones having the Formula I, starting with salicylic acid or substituted salicylic acid, are described. The compounds of this invention are active in the prevention of allergic and asthmatic reactions in mammals.