Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of cosalane analogues with substituted benzoic acid rings attached to the pharmacophore through methylene and amide linkers

The cosalane pharmacophore was extended through the attachment of two additional substituted benzoic acid rings via amide and methylene linkers. The resulting compounds showed substantial antiviral activity when tested in vitro for inhibition of the cytopathic effects of HIV-1(sub RF) in CEM-SS cells and HIV-1(sub IIIB) in MT-4 cells. The compound containing the methylene linker also indicated moderate activity against HIV-2(sub ROD) in MT-4 cells.