ABSTRACT
Replacement of the catechol 3,4-dihydroxylation pattern of certain adrenergic beta-phenethylamines by a resorcinol 3,5-dihydroxylation pattern has led to a greater selectivity of adrenergic agonist effects in certain molecules. This strategy has been applied to a series of dopaminergic agents derived from 2-aminotetralin, leading to a 5,7-dihydroxylation pattern. Traditional literature approaches to formation of a tetralin ring with this oxygenation pattern failed. A method was used which involved cyclization of 3,5-dimethoxybenzylsuccinic acid derivatives with pyridinium poly(HF) and subsequent modification of the tetralin ring. The resorcinol-derived 2-aminotetralins were less potent and less active dopaminergic agents than their catechol-derived isomers (5,6-dihydroxy and/or 6,7-dihydroxy). Certain of the subject compounds demonstrated alpha- and beta 1-adrenoceptor activating properties.
