Several 2-substituted alpha-D- and alpha-L-lyxofuranosyl and 5-deoxylyxofuranosyl derivatives of 5,6-dicholro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-(beta-L-ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole (1263W94) and 2,5,6-trichloro-1(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole (TCRB) were synthesized and evaluated for activity against two herpesviruses (HSV-1 and HCMV) and for their cytotoxicity against HFF and KB cells. Condensation of 1,2,3,5-tetra-O-acetyl-L-lyxofuranose (2a) with 2,5,6-trichlorobenzimidazole (1) yielded the alpha-nucleoside 3a. The 2-bromo derivative and 2-methylamino derivative were prepared by treatment of 3a with HBr followed by deprotection or from methylamine, respectively. Compound 3a was deprotected and the resultant nucleoside used to prepare the 2-cyclopropylamino and 2-isopropylamino derivatives. The 2-alkylthio nucleosides were prepared by condensing 2a with 5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole-2-thione followed by deprotection. Alkylation of this adduct gave the 2-methylthio and 2-benzylthio derivatives. Condensation of 5-deoxy-1,2,3-tri-O-acetyl-L-lyxofuranosyl, prepared from L-lyxose, with 1 or 2-bromo-5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole (15), followed by deprotection, gave the 2-chloro or 2-bromo-5'-deoxylyxo-furanosyl derivative, respectively. The cyclopropylamino derivative was prepared from the 2-chloro derivative. All D-isomers were prepared in an analogous fashion from D-lyxose. Either compounds were inactive against HSV-1 or weak activity was poorly separated from cytotoxicity. In contrast, the 2-halogen derivatives in both the alpha-lyxose and 5-deoxy-alpha-lyxose series were active against the Towne strain of HCMV. The 5-deoxy alpha-L analogues were the most active, IC50's = 0.2-0.4 microM, plaque assay; IC90's = 0.2-2 microM, yield reduction assay. All of the 2-isopropylamino or 2-cyclopropylamino derivatives were less active (IC50's = 60-100 microM, plaque assay; IC90's = 17-100 microM, yield reduction assay) and were not cytotoxic. The methylamino, thio, and methylthio derivatives were neither active nor cytotoxic. The benzylthio derivatives were weakly active, but this activity was poorly separated from cytotoxicity. The alpha-lyxose L-isomers were more active in a plaque assay against the AD169 strain of HCMV compared to the Towne strain, thereby providing additional evidence of antiviral specificity.