The preparation of 1,4-dihydropyridines containing (heterocyclylmethoxy)methyl groups in the 2-position is described and the structural identification of certain of the compounds using 1H NMR spectroscopic methods is reported. The calcium antagonist activity of the compounds on rat aorta is listed and is compared with the negative inotropic potency as determined by using a Langendorff-perfused guinea pig heart model. Several compounds are more potent than nifedipine and show greater selectivity for the vasculature over the heart. One compound, 2-[(2-amino-4-hydroxypyrimidin-6-yl)methoxy]-4- (2,3-dichlorophenyl)-3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-5-(methoxycarbonyl)-6-methyl- 1,4-dihydropyridine (27, UK-56,593), was identified as a potent (IC50 = 1.6 x 10(-9) M), tissue-selective calcium antagonist which proved to have a markedly longer duration of action (greater than 4.5 h) than nifedipine in the anesthetized dog on intravenous administration.