9-Hydroxyethoxymethyl (and related) derivatives of 2-amino-6-substituted-8-azapurines have been found to have potent anti-viral activities. Novel compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutical formulations containing the compounds of this invention, and the treatment of viral infections with these formulations are all disclosed. 9-(2-Hydroxyethoxymethyl)-8-azaguanine and 9-(2-benzoyloxyethoxymethyl)-8-azaguanine are examples of active compounds of this invention.