(−)-Carbodine: Enantiomeric synthesis and in vitro antiviral activity against various strains of influenza virus including H5N1 (avian influenza) and novel 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)

Enantiomerically pure cyclopentyl cytosine [( − )-carbodine 1 ] was synthesized from d -ribose and evaluated for its anti-influenza activity in vitro in comparison to the (+)-carbodine, (±)-carbodine and ribavirin. ( − )-Carbodine 1 exhibited potent antiviral activity against various strains of influenza A and B viruses.