Synthesis and biological evaluation of pyridinebetaine A and B

The synthesis of the marine natural products pyridinebetaine A and B is reported. The biological evaluation of pyridinebetaine A and B and several analogues as cytotoxic, antifungal and antiviral agents is also described. Unfortunately, none of the compounds tested showed relevant antifungal or cytotoxic activity. Only pyridinebetaine B reduced the Herpes simplex virus type 1 virus replication, though only weakly.