Abstract: New N-Arylalkylderivatives of 2-aminomethyl-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxine and its (+)- and (-)- enantiomers represented by general formula (I), where R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represent H, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent H and R.sub.3 represent H or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent methoxy and R.sub.3 represents H and their pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic acid addition salts exhibit in pharmacological tests pronounced hypotensive activity as a result of their calcium channel blocking and alpha.sub.1 -adrenergic blocking activity and pronounced antithrombotic action. In a form of pharmaceutical preparations, they are suitable for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and other disorders.

Abstract: 2-Isopropyl-2-(2-methylphenyl)-5-(N-methylhomoveratrylamino)-valeronitrile ("mepamil") of the Formula I: ##STR1## preferably administered in the form of water-soluble acid addition salts such as e.g. hydrochloride. The claimed compound is advantageously prepared by alkylation of 2-(2-methylphenyl)-3-methylbutyronitrile with 3,3-diethoxypropylchloride. Subsequently, the obtained 5,5-diethoxy-2-isopropyl-2-(2-Methylphenyl)-valeronitrile is mildly, acidically hydrolisized to yield the appropriate aldehye, i.e. 2-isopropyl-2-(2-methylphenyl)-5-oxovaleronitrile. This aldehyde is then reacted with N-methylhomoveratrylamine under conditions of reductive alkylation, suitably by catalytic hydrogenation over a platinum or palladium catalyst or by chemical reduction with the use of formic acid as a reducing agent. The resulting base is optionally converted by neutralization with a pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic acid, i.e. hydrochloric or fumaric acid, into the corresponding acid addition salt.