| abstract |
The (R,R) optical isomer of labetalol, namely 5-[ (R)-1-hydroxy- 2-[(R)-1-methyl- 3-phenylpropyl)amino ]ethyl]salicylamide, and its pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, in a state substantially free of the corresponding (R,S), (S,R) and (S,S) optical isomers, are novel compounds with favourable therapeutic properties in comparison with labetalol. They can be used in particular in the treatment of hypertension. The novel (R,R) optical isomer and its pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts can be prepared by removal of the protecting groups from an N,O-protected (R,R) optical isomer or acid addition salt thereof, wherein the basic nitrogen atom and the phenolic hydroxy group are protected, preferably by hydrogenolytic removal of hydrogenolysable groups. |