Photoactive antiviral and cytotoxic activities of synthetic thiophenes and their acetylenic derivatives

A total of 31 thiophenes were tested for phototoxicity against two membrane-containing viruses, and for cytotoxicity, in comparison with the known potent phototoxic thiophene α-terthienyl. Several compounds were more potent against viruses, but were much less cytotoxic than α-terthienyl. The key structural features of the most active compounds were the possession of a conjugated linear configuration of two or three thiophene rings and a substituent with an acetylenic linkage. Some of these derivatives could constitute useful therapeutic agents against infectious diseases or cancer.