The detection of CO in NGC 4594.

We have observed the early-type spiral galaxy NGC 4594 (M 104, "Sombrero" galaxy) in the (1-0) and (2-1) line transitions of ^12^CO with the 30-m mm-radiotelescope of IRAM at Pico Veleta. Here we present the detections of molecular material at +/- 140" from the nucleus of M 104 along the major axis. The location of the detected CO coincides with the inner H I annulus, the dust ring and peaks of radio continuum emission. We failed to detect CO in the nuclear area of NGC 4594. The detection is discussed in an evolutionary scenario for the interstellar medium in early-type disk galaxies.