Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of Hydroxy-Substituted Benzaldehydes and Related Compounds

A series of hydroxy-substituted benzaldehydes and related compounds were synthesized and studied in cell culture against herpes simplex type I (HSV-1) and influenza A (H7N1) viruses. It was found that salicylaldehyde, 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and gossypol could suppress HSV-1 replication. The structure–activity relationship of the series of hydroxylated benzaldehydes was analyzed.