Abstract: Amino-3-cardenolide derivatives represented by the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein n and m, which may be the same or different, each represents an integer from 0 to 4; R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy, alkoxy or acyloxy group; R.sub.3 represents a lower alkyl, aldehyde, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, acyloxyalkyl, or ethylenedioxyalkyl group; R.sub.7 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; R.sub.8 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl, acyl, alkyloxycarbonyl or aralkoxycarbonyl group; R.sub.9 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 can combine and form with the nitrogen atom a heterocyclic ring; R.sub.10 represents a hydroxy, alkoxy or aralkoxy group, an amino residue of amino acid or of an oligo-peptide, useful especially for the treatment of cardiac ailments.

Abstract: Method of oxidizing cinchona alkaloids by reacting specific ketone with cinchona alkaloid in the presence of a strong base and aprotic solvent; following oxidation the oxo compound is reduced to the corresponding stereoisomer.