Modification of seldomycin factor 5 at C-3'

Attempted removal of the 3'-hydroxyl group of seldomycin factor 5 via displacement of a sulfonate ester has led to 3'-epi-seldomycin factor 5. Removal of the hydroxyl group has been effected by the Barton procedure. The antibacterial activity of 3'-epi- and 3'-deoxyseldomycin factor 5 against various aminoglycoside-resistant strains is discussed.