Abstract: Optically active alkylenedioxybenzene derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein m is an integer of 2-5, and n is an integer of 1-3, and acid addition salts thereof. A pharmaceutical composition containing a compound (I) or racemate, and a method of treating anxiety in a warm-blooded animal by administering the above compound (I) to said animal are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are anxiolytic drugs containing as an active ingredient a piperazine derivative represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein m represents an integer from 2 to 4,X represents ##STR2## Ar represents a pyridyl group, a pyrimidinyl group, or a phenyl group which may be substituted with halogen atom, trifluoromethyl group, alkoxy group or alkyl group, andR.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 which may be identical or different represent lower alkoxy groups, or R.sub.3 is a hydrogen atom and R.sub.1 when taken together with R.sub.2 forms ##STR3## (n=1, 2 or 3); and its acid addition salt.The anxiolytic drugs disclosed herein have the high binding capacities to 5-HT.sub.1A receptor which is one of the receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), thereby exerting anxiolytic effects.

Abstract: Optically active alkylenedioxybenzene derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein m is an integer of 2-5, and n is an integer of 1-3, and acid addition salts thereof. A pharmaceutical composition containing a compound (I) or racemate, and a method of treating anxiety in a warm-blooded animal by administering the above compound (I) to said animal are also provided.