Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of novel phenyl branched cyclopropyl nucleosides

Novel phenyl branched cyclopropyl nucleoside analogues were designed and synthesized as potential antiviral agents. Cyclopropanation was performed via classical Simmons-Smith reaction using Zn(Et)2 and CH2I2. Coupling of the mesylates 11 and 12 with natural bases (A,C,T,U) and desilylation afforded a series of novel cyclopropyl nucleosides 21-28. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antiviral and antitumor activity against various viruses such as HIV, HSV-1, HSV-2 and HCMV.