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

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.

Graphical abstractOn 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.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide