An efficient synthesis of des-N-methyl-N-acetyl erythromycin derivatives via the N-oxide

An efficient synthesis of des-N-methyl-N-acetyl erythromycin derivatives has been developed, it involves the Polonovsky reaction of erythromycin N-oxide derivatives. The reaction conditions have been established so that the desired products can be prepared in high quality and in good yields. This provides a convenient way to prepare des-N-methyl-N-acetylerythromycin-based macrolides.