Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of Pyrazinones Substituted with Acyclic Chains

The synthesis of a series of pyrazine analogues of the anti-herpes compound, acyclovir is described. These syntheses were accomplished by various methods: in the presence of a Lewis acid or NaH for hydroxyethoxymethyl and hydroxybutyl groups or by sequential oxidation/reduction of l-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-2-pyrazinones for 2′,3′-acyclonucleosides. Antiviral (HSV-1, CMV, Cox B4, HIV-1) properties of these compounds were determined.