(D)- and (L)-cyclohexenyl-G, a new class of antiviral agents: Synthesis, conformational analysis, molecular modeling, and biological activity

(D)- and (L)-cyclohexeneyl-G were synthesized enantioselectively starting f rom (R)-carvone. Both show potent and selective anti-herpesvirus activity ( HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV). Molecular modeling demonstrates that both isomers are bound in the active site of HSV-1 thymidine kinase in a high-energy con formation with the base moiety orienting in an equatorial position. It is b elieved that the flexibility of the cyclohexene ring is essential for their antivirial activity.