Abstract: The present invention provides processes useful in the preparation of certain &bgr;3-adrenergic receptor agonists of the structural formula the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and the hydrates of said pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein HET is as described herein. The invention further provides intermediates useful in the preparation of such agonists, and processes useful in the production of such intermediates.

Abstract: The present invention provides cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2 heteroaryl alkyl or alkenyl derivatives which may be substituted in the 1-position with hydroxyl, alkyloxy, amino and amido groups, e.g. 1-OH cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2 heteroarylalkenyl derivatives. In particular, these derivatives are 7-[5-hydroxy-2-(heteroatom-substituted hydroxyhydrocarbyl)-3-hydroxycyclopentyl] heptanoic or heptenoic acids and amine, amide, ether, ester and alchohol derivatives of said acids wherein one or more of said hydroxy groups are replaced with an ether group. These compounds are potent ocular hypotensive and are particularly suited for the management of glaucoma.