NOVEL BERBANE DERIVATIVES AND MANUFACTURE

The invention relates to novel racemic or optically active berban derivatives of the general formula (I), whereinR' and R2 represent independently from the other a hydroxyl, straight or branched chain alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or R' and R7 together represent a C1-3 alkylenedioxy group;R3 and R4 represent independently from the other hydrogen, straight or branched chain alkyl group, having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by hydroxyl group, or a C2-6 alkoxycarbonyl or cyano group; andR5 represents hydrogen, straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, C1-7 aliphatic or aromatic acyl group or C1-7 alkylsulphonyl or arylsulphonyl group and a salt thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, to the use as well as to process for preparing the novel compounds.The compounds of the general formula (1) are selective a2-adrenergic receptor-blocking substances and thus, they may be used for the treatment of depressive illnesses.