Derivatives of 3- and xy-3'-(hydroxymethyl)butyl)-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridi
ne were prepared in several steps from 2-amino-5-chloropyridine. Selec
ted compounds were evaluated against human cytomeglovirus (HCMV), herp
es simplex virusus (HSV1/HSV2) and varicella tester virus (VZV). Detai
ls of their synthesis and biological activities are presented. (C) 199
7 Elsevier Science Ltd.