A series of 6-(dimethylamino)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-9-(substituted benzyl)purines was synthesized and tested for antirhinovirus activity. Most of the compounds were synthesized by alkylation of 6-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-9H-purine with the appropriate benzyl halide followed by displacement of the chloro group with dimethylamine. Alternatively, 6-(dimethylamino)-2-(trifluoromethyl)purine was alkylated with the appropriate benzyl halide. Although several different aryl substituents provided compounds with IC50\'s = 0.03 microM against rhinovirus serotype 1B, no congener was significantly more active than the parent 2. Twenty-three compounds were tested against 18 other serotypes, but none exhibited a uniform profile of activity.