FOERFARANDE FOER FRAMSTAELLNING AV HYDROXIALKYLXANTINER

In the process there are prepared novel monoalkenyldialkylxanthines of the general formula I One of the radicals R , R and R is ( omega -1)-alken-1-yl having 4 to 8 C atoms, which does not have a branch in the ( omega -1)-position. The two other radicals are alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms. According to the invention, a 1-halo-C4-C8-alkene having a terminal double bond, but not one containing a tertiary C atom, is reacted with an appropriate alkali metal salt of a dialkylxanthine. Haloalkenes having an unbranched carbon chain are preferably employed. Monoalkenyldialkylxanthines of the formula I may expediently be prepared in which one of the two alkyl radicals has 2 to 12 C atoms. The alkenylxanthines prepared are useful as starting substances for the preparation of therapeutically utilisable hydroxyalkylxanthine compounds, of which e.g. 1-(5'-hydroxyhexyl)theobromine is distinguished by promotion of the circulation.