Recently, we have identified 9-benzyl-8-hydroxyadenines bearing an appropriate substituent (a butoxy, propylthio or butylamino group) at the 2-position as potent interferon (IFN)-inducers. Herein we report the design, synthesis, and IFN-inducing activity of 8- substituted 9-benzyladenines possessing such an appropriate substituent at the 2-position. Introduction of the appropriate substituent into the 2-position of the adenine nucleus gave ...