Chemical modification of streptovaricin C I. 19-O-substituted damavaricin C

Damavaricin C, a degradative derivative of streptovaricin C, has reduced antibiotic activity relative to streptovaricin C. It has, however, a new phenolic hydroxyl group at the C-19 position of the naphthoquinone ring on which various groups can be substituted through an ether linkage. A series of 19-O-substituted derivatives of damavaricin C has been synthesized. The preparation of these derivatives, their in vitro antibacterial activities, in vitro inhibition of E. coli RNA polymerase, and lethal activity on the membrane mutants of E. coli are reported. It is believed that the original biological activity of damavaricin C is retained and that introduction of the functional groups at the C-19 position has increased the membrane diffusibility of the molecule.