Two series of P1'-extended HIV-1 protease inhibitors comprising a tertiary alcohol in the transition-state mimic exhibiting K-i values ranging from 2.1 to 93 nM have been synthesized. Microwave-accelerated palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings were utilized to rapidly optimize the P1' side chain. High cellular antiviral potencies were encountered when the P1' benzyl group was elongated with a 3- or 4-pyridyl substituent (EC50 = 0.18-0.22 mu M). X-ray crystallographic data were obtained for three inhibitors cocrystallized with the enzyme.