Synthesis and beta-adrenergic blocking activity of a novel class of aromatic oxime ethers

A new series of beta-adrenergic blocking amines containing an oximino-propanolic chain linked to an aromatic nucleus was synthesized. Most of the derivatives are characterized by beta2-selectivity. The structure-activity relationship are discussed. One of the compounds, selected for further studies, was more active on the trachea than on the atria of guinea pig, 155 times in vitro and 26 times in vivo. In comparison, butoxamine's beta2-selectivity is 13 in vitro and only 2 in vivo. With a series of 30 acetophenone oxime derivatives, no quantitative structure-activity relationships could be detected.