Synthesis and antibacterial activity of C12 des-methyl ketolides.

Abstract Synthesis of C 12 des-methyl ketolide is developed featuring an intramolecular epoxide formation/elimination process to establish the C 12 stereocenter. These ketolides are potent against several key respiratory pathogens, including erythromycin resistant erm - and mef -containing strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae .