Abstract: The present invention relates to catechol derivatives of formula (I), which can be used as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase (PDPI) type 4 or type 7, Compounds disclosed herein can be useful in the treatment of CNS disorders, inflammatory diseases such as, AIDS, asthma, arthritis, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), psoriasis, allergic rhinitis, shock, atopic dermatitis, Crohn's disease, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), eosinophilic granuloma, allergic conjunctivitis, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases especially in humans. Processes for the preparation of disclosed compounds are provided, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the disclosed compounds, and their use as phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 4 or type 7 inhibitors.