| abstract |
Compounds of the formula <IMAGE> (I) wherein one of the radicals R1, R2 or R3 denotes a straight-chain alkyl group having 4 to 8 C atoms and two vicinal hydroxyl groups in the omega , omega -1 or omega -1, omega -2 positions and the two other radicals represent straight-chain or branched alkyl groups having up to 12 C atoms in the position of R1 and R3 and up to 4 C atoms in the position of R2, the total of C atoms in these two alkyl substituents being a maximum of 14, are prepared by oxidation of the corresponding alkenylxanthines and by alkylation with compounds which introduce the dihydroxyalkyl radical or a precursor thereof. The dihydroxyalkyldialkylxanthines are suitable for the treatment of obstructive respiratory tract diseases. |