Synthesis and biological activity of some cardiotonic compounds related to digitoxigenin

Abstract

3 beta-Amino compounds with 17 beta-(3-furyl) and (4-pyridazinyl) ring systems were prepared from digitoxigenin 1b and found to have similar cardiotonic properties to the analogous 3 beta-hydroxy compounds when tested in the isolated guinea-pig atrial preparation. Derivatives with 3 alpha-acetoxy functions were found to have higher than expected activities. Particularly potent was the pyridazine N1-oxide 19. All isocardenolides and the unsaturated anhydride 18 were devoid of activity.