Silicon-Containing Phenethylamines

p-Trimethylsilyl- and p-trimethylsilylmethylphenethylamine were obtained by LiAlH₄ reduction of the nitriles, prepared from the respective benzyl halides and NaCN. DL-1-p-Trimethylsilylmethylphenyl-2-aminopropane, a silicon analog of amphetamine, was also prepared. Preliminary pharmacological evaluation of ten such phenethylamines containing silyl groups at various positions in the aromatic nucleus showed that the p-silyl-substituted phenethylamines, contrary to the ortho and meta isomers, had a blood pressure lowering activity, the extent of which depended on the type of substituents attached to the silicon. p-Trimethylsilyl- and p-trimethylsilylmethylphenethylamine were found to have also a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity as compared to phenethylamine.