This paper describes the synthesis and blocking activities of twelve new isoindolinone-and isobenzofuranone-containing phenoxylalkylamines as potent a a 1 -Adrenoceptor antagonists. These compounds were synthesized in moderate to good yields starting from 3,4-dimethylphenol, and characterized with 1 H-NMR, MS, IR and elemental analysis. Their blocking activities toward a a 1 -Adrenoceptors were evaluated on isolated rat anococcygeus muscles. The results indicated that these compounds were very strong in blocking a a 1 -Adrenoceptors, and most of them exhibited activities that were comparable to that of known potent a a 1 -Adrenoceptor antagonist 1-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamino)propane hydrochloride (DDPH).