Design and synthesis of imidazo[1,2-α][1,8]naphthyridine derivatives as anti-HCV agents via direct C-H arylation.

RO8191 represents a newly identified small-molecule IFN-α-substitute, which displays potent anti-HCV activity. In this communication, we reported the design and synthesis of two series of imidazo[1,2-α][1,8]naphthyridine derivatives, as RO8191 analogues, via a direct C-H arylation approach. Notably, by adjusting the reaction conditions, we could achieve the two series of analogues via regioselective single- and double-arylations, respectively. The anti-HCV activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated within the HCV cell culture system, and the preliminary results showed that some of them displayed promising anti-HCV activities.