Several short-acting beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents have been prepared by incorporating ester functions into the aryl portion of certain (aryloxy)propanolamine systems. In particular, methyl 3-[4-[2-hydroxy-3-(isopropylamino)propoxy]phenyl]propionate hydrochloride (ASL-8052) was found to be a moderately potent, cardioselective compound with a short duration of action when determined in in vivo canine models.