Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## and pharmaceutically acceptable, nontoxic salts thereof or hydrates thereof, wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy, or any two of the groups R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are joined complete a substituted or unsubstituted carbocyclic ring, and X is an oxygen atom, provided that R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are not all simultaneously hydrogen, are useful for treating allergic conditions in humans.The compounds may be prepared by reacting a suitably substituted benzene derivative with an activated carbonyl group having a carbanion of the formula NC-CH-R, wherein R is a carboxylic acid ester group, and thereafter, if desired, converting the compound into a salt.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are produced comprising as the active ingredient a compound of the formula ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable, nontoxic salt thereof or hydrate thereof, wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy, or any two of the groups R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are joined complete a substituted or unsubstituted carbocyclic ring, and X is a bond or an oxygen atom, is combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable, nontoxic inert diluent or carrier. Those compounds wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are not all simultaneously hydrogen are novel.When X is a bond, the compounds may be prepared by reacting an appropriately substituted 3-dyanomethylene phthalide with a base and, thereafter, if desired, converting the compound to a salt.