1-Benzyl derivatives of 5-(arylamino)uracils as anti-HIV-1 and anti-EBV agents

Pyrimidine analogs have long found use over a broad chemotherapeutic spectrum. In an effort to further explore the antiviral potential of several uracil derivatives previously synthesized in our laboratories, a series of benzylated pyrimidines were designed and synthesized. Introduction of the benzyl residue onto the 5-phenylaminouracil scaffold was carried out using 2,4-bis(trimethylsilyloxy)pyrimidine with the corresponding benzyl bromides. Similarly, 1-benzyl-5-(benzylamino)- and 1-benzyl-5-(phenethylamino)uracils were obtained via amination of 1-benzyl-5-bromouracils with benzylamine or phenylethylamine. The results of the broad screen antiviral studies revealed that compounds 5 and 11 exhibit promising inhibitory activity against HIV-1 in CEM-SS culture. A 50% protective effect was observed at concentrations of 11.9 and 9.5 μМ, respectively. Moreover, compounds 8 and 3 exhibited good inhibitory effects against EBV in АKАТА cell culture with EC₅₀ values of 2.3 and 12 μM, respectively. The synthesis and biological studies are detailed herein.