Synthesis and antiviral activities of synthetic glutarimide derivatives.

A series of novel glutarimide compounds were synthesized and their antiviral activities were evaluated. The compounds displaying the strongest antiviral activities included 5, 6f, 7e and 9 against coxsackievirus B3 (Cox B3), 10 and 6f against influenza virus A (influenza A) and 7a against herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). However, most of the synthetic glutarimides showed comparatively much weaker activity against influenza A, Cox B3 and HSV-2 than the natural glutarimide compounds tested. Based on the results, it seemed likely that a conjugated system at the β-substituted moiety provides stronger antiviral activity.