Synthesis and Anti-HIV Activity of 3-Alkylamido-3-deoxy-betulinic Acid Derivatives

Abstract

3-Alkylamido-3-deoxy-betulinic acids were synthesized and evaluated for anti-HIV activity as part of the structure-activity relationship study of the potent anti-HIV agent 3-O-(3', 3'-dimethyl)-succinyl-betulinic acid (DSB) (2). 3α-Diglycorylamide-3-deoxy-betulinic acid demonstrated relatively potent anti-HIV activity (EC₅₀0.24 μM, TI 728). However, replacing the ester group at C-3 in 2 and its analogues with an amido group yielded inactive or much less potent compounds against HIV replication, indicating that the ester group at C-3 in 2-4 is essential for potent anti-HIV activity.