The concept of bioisosterism between benzimidazole and catechol was applied to the design and synthesis of benzimidazole analogues of norepinephrine, (R,S)-1-[5(6)-benzimidazolyl]-2-aminoethanol (2), and of isoproterenol, (R,S)-1-[5(6)-benzimidazolyl]-2-isopropylaminoethanol (4). Compound 2 was shown to be a partial bioisostere of norepinephrine, with direct agonist activity at the alpha-adrenergic receptor. The ED50 for 2 in contracting the guinea pig isolated aortic strip was determined to be 8.0 x 10(-6) M. Compound 4 was shown to be a partial bioisostere of isoproterenol, with direct activity as a beta-adrenergic agonist. The ED50 values for positive chronotropic and inotropic effects of 4 on the isolated guinea pig atrial preparation were determined to be 6.2 x 10(-6) and 3.8 x 10(-6) M, respectively. The ED50 for 4 on the isolated guinea pig tracheal preparation was determined to be 1.6 x 10(-6) M. These results indicate that 4 shows greater selectively for the beta-2 adrenergic receptor than does isoproterenol. The chemical stability of benzimidazole, compared with that of catechol, suggests that benzimidazole bioisosteres of catecholamines may be of value as adrenergic drugs.