Aryloxyalkanol derivatives having the formula
Ar-O(CH₂)nOH
wherein n is an integer from 3 to 8 and Ar is (1) 1- or 2-naphthalenyl, (2) phenyl optionally substituted by from 1 to 3 C₁₋₄ lower alkyl groups, or (3) a diphenyl moiety of structure
wherein Y is a bond, CH₂ or CH₂O, and esters thereof have antiretrovirus activity and are effective in a method for treatment of a retrovirus infection.