METHOD OF BERBANE DERIVATIVES OR THEIR SALTS

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.