| abstract |
A compound represented by formula I Ar1-O-M-O-Ar2 I wherein Ar1 and Ar2 are independently substituted phenyl or substituted pyridinyl, the substituents on said phenyl or pyridinyl being independently selected from one, two or three of (C1-C10) alkyl, (C1-C10) alkoxy, halogen, carbamyl, (C1-C10) alkoxycarbonyl, oxazoyl, and (C1-C10) alkyl substituted by halogen, (C1-C10) alkoxy, hydroxy, or (C1-C10) alkoxycarbonyl; M is <IMAGE> (C4-C8) alkylene, (C4-C8) alkenylene or (C4-C8)-alkynylene; O is oxygen; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating or preventing viral infections, especially picornaviral infections, are disclosed. |