Novel aniline derivatives containing hydroxy and hydroxymethyl groups inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, and are useful in the prevention or treatment of infection by HIV-1 and the treatment of AIDS, either as compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutical composition ingredients, whether or not in combination with other antivirals, anti-infectives, immunomodulators, antibiotics or vaccines. Methods of treating AIDS and methods of preventing or treating infection by HIV-1 are also described.