The synthesis and in vitro antiviral evaluation of a series of substituted benzyl beta-diketones are described. The introduction of a styryl group onto the phenyl ring enhanced activity against herpesvirus type 2. The 4-methoxystyryl homologue 8 was evaluated extensively in vitro and was found to be effective against both RNA and DNA viruses. Compound 8 was evaluated in the mouse vagina against herpes simplex type 1 and produced a significant increase in survival rate as well as in survival time.

Aufgrund der antiviralen Wirkung von β‐Diketonen werden zahlreiche derartige Verbindungen in recht unterschiedlichen, nicht optimierten Ausbeuten hergestellt und in Tabellen beschrieben.