Synthesis and Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity in Mice of Certain Alkyl, Alkenyl and Ribofuranosyl Derivatives of 7-Deazaguanine

A series of alkyl, alkenyl and β-D-ribofuranosyl derivatives of 7-deazaguanine were synthesized and their ability to inhibit certain RNA virus infections was assessed in mice. 8-Chloro-7-deazaguanosine (6) protected the majority of mice infected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with benzi, encephalomyocarditis, San Angelo, or Semliki Forest virus at doses as low as 50 mg/kg/day. It was also orally active.