NOVEL AZOLYLALKYLOXY COMPOUNDS WITH ANTIPICORNAVIRAL ACTIVITY

A novel series of azolylalkyloxy compounds was designed, synthesized a nd evaluated for antipicornaviral activity. Several of the compounds e xhibited in vitro activity comparable to that of Disoxaril. An investi gation of qualitative structure-activity relationships indicated that the optimal length of the alkyl chain is six or seven carbon atoms, wi th seven being marginally superior. The effect of different azole moie ties on activity was relatively small, with 3-methylisoxazole and 4-me thylthiazole being most effective. The nature of the oxy substituent w as found to be extremely important for antipicornaviral activity. The 2-dibenzofuryl group proved to be the most effective oxy substituent f or this class of compounds. Compounds 11 and 22, combining dibenzofura n with 3-methylisoxazole and 4-methylthiazole, respectively, were high ly effective in vitro against a wide range of human rhinoviruses as we ll as several enteroviruses.