Synthesis and anti-rhinovirus activity of 2-styrylchromones

2-Styrylchromones were synthesized as vinylogues of 2-phenylchromones (flav ones), a broad class of anti-rhinovirus compounds. The antiviral activity o f 2-styrylchromones and 3-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-2,4-pentadie n-1-ones, which are intermediates in the synthesis, was evaluated against t wo selected serotypes of human rhinovirus, 1B and 14, by a plaque reduction assay in HeLa cell cultures. All of the compounds interfered with HRV 1B r eplication, with the exception of 3-hydroxy-1-(thydroxyphenyl)5-(4-methoxyp henyl)-2.4-pentadien-1-one. The majority of derivatives were also found to be effective against serotype 14, often with a higher potency.