A series of tryptamine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity and cytotoxicity in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. The preliminary SAR was discussed. Compounds 2e and 4a showed potent antiviral activity (IC(50)=0.4 and <1 μM, respectively) and low cytotoxicity (CC(50)=40.6 and >25 μM, respectively).