Abstract: A phosphodiesterase IV inhibiting cathecol derivatives of the general formula I: ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in which R1 is C.sub.1-7 alkyl; C.sub.3-7 cycloalkane; phenyl optionally substituted with lower alkyl lower alkoxy, nitro or halogen; pyrimidine optionally substituted with lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, nitro or halogen; or pyridine optionally substituted with lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, nitro or halogen; X, Y and Z are each independently oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur optionally substituted with C.sub.1-7 alkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkane or phenyl; W is oxygen or sulfur is disclosed. In addition, a process for producing the compound of the general formula I and a pharmaceutical composition containing pharmaceutically effective amount of the compound of the general formula I are disclosed.