This invention relates to bicyclic ring system substituted sulfonamide functionalized phenols of general formula 1,their use as inhibitors of CXCR2 activity, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same as agents for treatment and/or prevention of respiratory or gastrointestinal complaints or diseases, inflammatory diseases of the joints, skin, or eyes, diseases of the peripheral or central nervous system or cancers, as well as pharmaceutical compositions which contain these compounds.