Synthesis of 2-hydroxy-2-phenylethylamino derivatives as potential α-adrenergic blocking agents

The synthesis of N,N'-bis6-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethylamino)hexyl] cystamines 4 , and N-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-1,6-hexanediamines 6 are described. Compounds 4 were obtained by condensation of the requisite epoxide 2 with 3-(6-aminohexyl)-1,3-thiazolidine followed by dimerization with opening of the thiazolidine ring. A similar method was used for the preparation of compounds 6. In order to prepare 4j (N,N'-bis{6-2-hydroxy-2(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylamino]hexyl}cystamine), several procedures were tested; the method of choice involved the use of 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde with both hydroxy groups protected as methoxymethyl ethers.