Synthesis and antiviral activity of 4,4′-(arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ols) against peste des petits ruminant virus (PPRV)

4,4′-(Arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ols) were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antiviral activity against peste des petits ruminant virus (PPRV). Compounds 3i and 3j emerged as the most interesting compounds in this series exhibiting excellent antiviral activity against PPRV and were found to be more potent than the standard drug ribavirin used. An efficient and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of 4,4′-(arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ols) has been accomplished by tandem Knoevenagel–Michael reaction of two equivalents of 5-methyl-2-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one with various aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) in water. All the synthesized compounds 3a–j were evaluated for in vitro antiviral activity against peste des petits ruminant virus (PPRV). Compound 3i emerged as the most interesting compound in this series exhibiting excellent antiviral activity against PPRV and found to be more potent than the standard drug ribavirin used.