Synthesis and Antiribosomal Activities of 4′-O-, 6′-O-, 4″-O-, 4′,6′-O- and 4″,6″-O-Derivatives in the Kanamycin Series Indicate Differing Target Selectivity Patterns between the 4,5- and 4,6-Series of Disubstituted 2-Deoxystreptamine Aminoglycoside Antibiotics

Chemistry for the efficient modification of the kanamycin class of 4,6-aminoglycosides at the 4′-position is presented. In all kanamycins but kanamycin B, 4′-O-alkylation is strongly detrimental to antiribosomal and antibacterial activity. Ethylation of kanamycin B at the 4″-position entails little loss of antiribosomal and antibacterial activity, but no increase of ribosomal selectivity. These results are contrasted with those for the 4,5-aminoglycosides, where 4′-O-alkylation of paromomycin causes only a minimal loss of activity but results in a significant increase in selectivity with a concomitant loss of ototoxicity.