Synthesis and Antiviral Effect of Alkylated Barbituric Acid

Assuming that antiviral compounds might be obtained by introduction of a higher alkyl group into the structure of barbituric acid, 28 compounds of this series were prepared and their in vivo effect against Nakayama strain of Japanese B encephalitis virus was examined in mice. It was thereby found that the compound effective on this virus are 3-methyl-5-propyl-, 3-allyl-, 3-benzyl-5-methyl-, and 3-butyl-5-methyl-5-lauryl-barbituric acids, and 3-benzyl-5-ethyl-5-phenyl- and 3-benzyl-5, 5-diethyl-barbituric acids.