Synthesis and Antiviral Activity Evaluation of 2',5',5'-Trifluoro-Apiosyl Nucleoside Phosphonic Acid Analogs

Racemic synthesis of novel 2',5',5'-trifluoro-apiose nucleoside phosphonic acid analogs were performed as potent antiviral agents. Phosphonation was performed by direct displacement of triflate intermediate with diethyl (lithiodifluoromethyl) phosphonate to give the corresponding (α,α-difluoroalkyl) phosphonate. Condensation successfully proceeded from a glycosyl donor with persilylated bases to yield the nucleoside phosphonate analogs. Deprotection of diethyl phosphonates provided the target nucleoside analogs. An antiviral evaluation of the synthesized compounds against various viruses such as HIV, HSV-1, HSV-2, and HCMV revealed that the pyrimidine analogues have significant anti-HCMV activity.