Design, synthesis, and molecular hybrids of caudatin and cinnamic acids as novel anti-hepatitis B virus agents

► Conjugated derivatives of caudatin with cinnamic acids were synthesized. ► Most of the derivatives exhibited potent anti-HBV activity. ► The compound 18 exerted antivirus effects by interfering HBV promoters and enhancers. ► The mechanism of compound 18 is different from those of the nucleoside analogs.