N-Aralkyl substitution of 2-amino-5,6- and -6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalenes. 2. Derivatives of a hypotensive-positive inotropic agent.

Seven derivatives of 2-[[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]amino]-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthalene, an inotropic agent which also causes a decrease in blood pressure, were synthesized and tested for inotropic potency, cardioselectivity, and inotropic selectivity. The derivatives were designed to explore whether catechol moieties and rigid rotamers of dopamine are necessary for the activity which was found in the parent compound. The derivatives had phenolic functions in place of catechols, and they had phenethylamine in place of the tetrahydronaphthalene moiety. In no case was the profile of activity of the parent compound duplicated in the derivatives.