3-[(3′-Hydroxymethyl)-4′-hydroxybutyl]imidazo[4,5-b]pyridines—novel antiviral agents

Derivatives of 3- and 1-(4′-hydroxy-3′-(hydroxymethyl)butyl)-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine were prepared in several steps from 2-amino-5-chloropyridine. Selected compounds were evaluated against human cytomeglovirus (HCMV), herpes simplex virusus (HSV1/HSV2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV). Details of their synthesis and biological activities are presented.