Synthesis of 2-C-hydroxymethylribofuranosylpurines as potent anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) agents

Abstract

On the basis of potent anti-HCV activity of 2'-C-methyladenosine, novel 2'-C-hydroxymethyladenosine analogues 2a-c were synthesized from D-ribose in order to lead to favorable interaction with HCV polymerase. Among compounds tested, adenosine derivative 2a exhibited potent anti-HCV activity, indicating that the hydroxyl group of 2'-C-hydroxymethyl substituent led to favorable interaction with HCV polymerase. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.