Structure-activity modifications of the HIV-1 inhibitors (+)-calanolide A and (-)-calanolide B

The delta 7,8 olefinic linkages within (+)-calanolide A(1) and (-)-calanolide B(2) were catalytically reduced to determine impact on the anti-HIV activity of the parent compounds. In addition, a series of structure modifications of the C-12 hydroxyl group in (-)-calanolide B was made to investigate the importance of that substituent to the HIV-1 inhibitory activity of these coumarins. A total of 14 analogs were isolated or prepared and compared to (+)-calanolide A and (-)-calanolide B in the NCI primary anti-HIV assay. While none of the compounds showed activity superior to the two unmodified leads, some structure-activity requirements were apparent from the relative anti-HIV potencies of the various analogs.