Tylosin derivatives and processes for producing the same

Abstract

Tylosin derivatives represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## [wherein R denotes a hydrogen atom, acetyl, propionyl or a radical of Si(R.sup.2).sub.3 (in which R.sup.2 is a lower alkyl group), and R.sup.1 stands for a hydrogen atom or a radical of Si(R.sup.2 .sub.3 ] are useful as intermediates for the synthesis of 4'-acyl derivatives of tylosin because, after introduction of any desired acyl group at the 4'-hydroxyl group, the silyl protective group can be readily removed without liberation of the acyl group. This invention also provides processes for producing the tylosin derivatives. More specifically, it provides a melthod of selectively protecting 2'- and 4''-hydroxyl groups of tylosin (those of higher reactivity among the hydroxyl groups involved); a method of selectively protecting only the 4''-hydroxyl group of tylosin; a method of selectively protecting the 3- and 4''-hydroxyl groups of 2'-O-acyltylosin; and a method of protecting 3-, 2'- and 4''-hydroxyl groups of tylosin.