A new class of diketo acids constructed on nucleobase scaffolds, designed as inhibitors of HIV replication through inhibition of HIV integrase, is described. These compounds are useful in the prevention or treatment of infection by HIV and in the treatment of AIDS and ARC, either as the compounds, or as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, used alone or in combination with antivirals, immunomodulators, antibiotics, vaccines, and other therapeutic agents. Methods of treating AIDS and ARC and methods of treating or preventing infection by HIV are also described.