Enhancing the aqueous solubility of d4T-based phosphoramidate prodrugs

A range of polyether para-substituted phosphoramidates were synthesised and found to have substantially elevated aqueous solubilities compared to the underivatised parent prodrug. A 30-fold increase in aqueous solubility could be achieved without a substantial decrease of in vitro activity against HIV-1. Replacement of the aryl (i.e. phenolic) moiety by tyrosine led to a substantial enhancement in aqueous solubility but also to a decrease in antiviral potency. A previously unobserved trend was identified, relating increased aryl substituent steric bulk to decreased antiviral activity.