Preparation of cyanomethylphenethanolamines useful as adrenergic stimulants is described. Preferred compounds such as 2-hydroxy-5-[1-hydroxy-2-[(1,1-dimethyl-2-phenylethyl)amino]ethyl]-benzene acetonitrile are selective beta-adrenergic stimulants having relatively greater potency on respiratory smooth muscle than on cardiac muscle. Such compounds are particularly valuable in the treatment of bronchial conditions.