Catechol derivatives

Abstract

The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an electronegative substituent, preferably nitro, cyano, formyl or carboxy, R.sub.2 is --A--R.sub.4, wherein A is a branched or straight chain C.sub.1-9 alkylene and R.sub.4 is carboxy or 5-tetrazolyl; R.sub.3 is an electronegative substituent, preferably nitro, cyano, halogen, formyl, carboxy, C.sub.1-5 alkyl carbonyl, aryl carbonyl or SO.sub.2 R.sub.6, wherein R.sub.6 is a branched or straight chain C.sub.1-5 alkyl, aryl alkyl, aryl or NR.sub.7 R.sub.8, wherein R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 are independently hydrogen, a branched or straight chain C.sub.1-5 alkyl or together form a C.sub.3-6 ring; or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester or salt thereof. The compounds are peripheral, long acting COMT (catechol-O-methyl transferase) inhibitors and are useful, e.g., in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and hypertension.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.