Synthesis of analogues of the O-β- -Ribofuranosyl nucleoside moiety of liposidomycins. Part 2: role of the hydroxyl groups upon the inhibition of MraY

O-β- -Ribofuranosyl nucleoside I is the minimal structural entity of liposidomycins that maintains enzyme inhibitory activity on MraY. A set of compounds with hydroxyl patterns different from I has been synthesized. The presence of a hydroxyl group in the 3″ position is essential for the activity. The 3′-deoxy derivative (IV), however, shows a 5-fold improved potency.