8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A is a known 15 membered macrolide having the following formula (A) EP 0508699 inter alia generically discloses 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A derivatives modified at the 4"position of the macrolide ring having antibacterial activity.

WO 99/12542 inter alia generically discloses 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A derivatives modified at the 4"position as useful in the treatment or prevention of bacterial respiratory or enteric infections in a livestock animal.

WO 99/51616 describes the 6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A having antibacterial activity.

WO 00/63223 describes 3-decladinosyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A derivatives modified at the 3 position of the macrolide ring having antibacterial activity.

We have now find novel derivatives of 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A having antibacterial activity.

Thus, the present invention provides compounds of general formula (I) wherein Rl is hydrogen or together with R2 is oxo ; R2 represents hydroxy, OC (O) XR7, OC (O) NHXR7 or R2 together with R1 is an oxo group; R3 is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group; R4 is hydrogen or XR7 ; R5 is hydrogen, XR7, C (O) XR7 or C (O) NHXR7; R6 is hydrogen or R5 and R6 taken together with the intervening atoms form a cyclic carbonate having the following structure R7 is selected from:

hydrogen, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted phenoxy, C3-7 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted 9 to 10 membered fused bicyclic carbocyclic, optionally substituted 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl in which the 5-membered heteroaryl contains 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen and the 6-membered heteroaryl group contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, 5-6 membered heterocyclic, or R7 represents optionally substituted fused bicyclic heteroaryl containing 9 or 10 ring members having at least one heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen; X is selected from : a bond, C1 12 alkylene (optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from a C1 4 alkoxy, a halogen, a hydroxy or by a NRgRg), C2-12 alkenyl (optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from a C1-4 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy or by NRgRg group) or X represents a group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is C (O), O, S (O) n or NRg ; R8 and Rg independently represent hydrogen or C1-4 lkyl optionally substituted by 1 or 2 groups selected from : phenyl, optionally substituted by C1-4 alkoxy or nitro, 5-membered heteroaryl containing 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen, hydroxy, oxo, carboxy or R8 and Rg independently represent a phenyl optionally substituted by one or two C1 4 alkyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 2; p is an integer from 1 to 12; q is 0 or an integer from 1 to 11 with the proviso that the sum of p and q is an integer from 1 to 12; provided that i) when R2 is OH, R4 is not methyl,

ii) when R2 is OH, R4, R6 and R5 are not at the same time hydrogen, iii) when R2 together with R1 is an oxo group, R4, Rg and R5 are not at the same time hydrogen; and pharmaceutical acceptable salts and solvates thereof.

A further embodiment of the invention provides compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutical acceptable salts and solvates thereof wherein Rl is hydrogen or together with R2 is oxo ; R2 represents hydroxy, OC (O) XR7, OC (O) NHXR7 or R2 together with Ri is an oxo group; R3 is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group; R4 is hydrogen or XR7 ; R5 is hydrogen, XR7, C (O) XR7 or C (O) NHXR7; R6 is hydrogen or R5 and R6 taken together with the intervening atoms form a cyclic carbonate having the following structure

R7 is selected from: hydrogen, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted 9 to 10 membered fused bicyclic carbocyclic ring, optionally substituted 5 or 6 membered heteroroaryl in which the 5-membered heteroaryl contains 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen and the 6-membered heteroaryl group contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, 5-6 membered heterocyclic, or R7 represents optionally substituted fused bicyclic heteroaryl containing 9 or 10 ring members having at least one heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen; X is selected from : a bond, C1-12 alkylene (optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from a Cl-4 alkoxy, a halogen, a hydroxy or by a NRgRg), C2-12 alkenyl group optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from a C1-4 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy or by NRgRg group or X represents a group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is C (O), O, S (O) n or NRg ; R8 and Rg independently represent hydrogen, C1-4 alyl optionally substituted by a group selected from : phenyl, 5-membered heteroaryl containing 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen or R8 and Rg independently represent a phenyl optionally substituted by one or two C1 4 alkyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 2; p is an integer from 1 to 12; q is 0 or an integer from 1 to 11 with the proviso that the sum of p and q is an integer from 1 to 12; provided that i) when R2 is OH, R4 is not methyl, ii) when R2 is OH, R4, R6 and R5 are not at the same time hydrogen, iii) when R2 together with Ri is an oxo group, R4, R6 and R5 are not at the same time hydrogen;

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of general formula (I) include acid addition salts formed with pharmaceutical acceptable organic or inorganic acids, for example hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, sulphates, alkyl- or arylsulphonates (e. g. methanesulphonates or p-toluenesulphonates), phosphates, acetates, citrates, succinates, tartrates, fumarates and maleates.

The solvates may, for example, be hydrates.

References hereinafter to a compound according to the invention include both compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutical acceptable acid addition salts together with pharmaceutically acceptable solvates.

The compound of formula (I) and salts thereof may form solvates (e. g. hydrates) and the invention includes all such solvates.

In the general formula (I) as drawn the solid wedge shaped bond indicates that the bond is above the plane of the paper. The broken bond indicates that the bond is below the plane of the paper.

Compounds wherein R3 represents a hydroxyl protecting group are in general intermediate for the preparation of other compounds of formula (I) The term C1 4 alkyl as used herein as a group or a part of the group refers to a straight or branched alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; examples of such groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert- butyl, 1-methyl ethyl or 2-methyl propyl.

The term C1 6 alkylene is meant to include, but is not limited to, C1 4 alkylene and the higher homologues thereof having 5 or 6 carbon atoms such as for example pentylen, 2-methylbutylene, hexyl, 2-methylpentylene, dimethylpropylene.

The term C1 12 alkylene is meant to include, but is not limited to, C1-6 alkylene and the higher homologues thereof having from 7 to 12 carbon atoms, such as

for example n-heptylene, n-octylene, n-nonylene, n-decylene, n-undecylene and n-docecylene.

The term C2-12 alkenyl chain refers to a straight or branched alkenyl chain containing from 2 to 12 carbon atoms and at least one double bond; examples of such groups include 2-propenyl, 1-propenyl, isopropenyl, 2-butenyl, 2- pentenyl, 2-hexenyl and the like.

The term C3 7 cycloalkyl group means a non-aromatic monocyclic hydrocarbon ring of 3 to 7 carbon atom such as, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl When the group OR3 is a protected hydroxyl group this is conveniently an ether or acyloxy group. Examples of particularly suitable ether groups include those in which R3 is a trialkylsilyl (i. e trimethylsilyl). When the group OR3 represents an acyloxy group, then examples of suitable groups R3 include alkanol (i. e acetyl or benzoyl) When Ry is a 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl group according to the invention this include furanyl, thiophenyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, pyridinium, pyridazinyl or pyrimidinyl, When R7 is a 5-6 membered heterocyclic group which is either saturated or unsaturated this may be a 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyridin-1yl, a piperidin-1-yl, morpholyn-4-yl or a pyrrolidin 1-yl group.

The term halogen refers to a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom.

The term C1 4 alkoxy group may be a straight chain or a branched chain alkoxy group, for example methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, prop-2-oxy, butoxy, but-2-oxy or methylprop-2-oxy When R7 is 9 to 10 membered fused bicyclic carbocyclic this refers to a 5,6/6,5 or 6/6 bicyclic carbocyclic ring system which may be saturated or unsaturated.

Examples of such groups include naphthyl, 1,2,3,4 tetrahydronaphthyl, indenyl or indanyl.

When R7 is 9 to 10 membered fused bicyclic heteroaryl this include quinolyl, isoquinolyl, 1,2,3,4 tetrahydroisoquinolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothienyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3 benzodioxazolyl, indolyl, benzothiazolyl, furylpyridine, oxazolopyridyl, benzofurany or benzothiophenyl.

When R7 is a substituted phenyl, a substituted 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl or a substituted phenoxy group this refers to a group which is substituted by 1 to 3 groups selected from : halogen, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, amino, Cul-4 alkylamino or diC1-4 alkylamino group or by one or two (CH2) mR10 wherein m is zero or an integer from 1 to 4 and R10 is a group selected from: hydroxy, Cl-4alkoxy, Cl-4alkanoyl-amino, NR8aR9a (wherein R8a and Rga independently represent hydrogen or C1-4alkyl), phenyl, phenoxy, 5- membered heteroaryl contains 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen and 6-membered heteroaryl containing 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms.

When R7 is a substituted 9 to 10 membered fused bicyclic carbocyclic ring or is a substituted 9 to 10 membered fused bicyclic this refers to a group, which is substituted by one to 2 group selected from alkyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl and NRgRg.

When R8 and Rg indipendently represent a nitrogen protecting group this is conveniently alkoxycarbonyl e. g. t-butylcarbonyl, arylsulphonyl e. g. phenylsulphonyl or 2-trimetylsilylethoxy methyl.

Preferred compounds of formula (I) are those wherein R3 is hydrogen.

A further preferred class of compounds of formula (I) is that wherein the group C (O) XR7 represents a C (O) XaR7 or a C (O) XbR7a group and the group OC (O) XR7, represents OC (O) XaR7 or OC (O) XbR7a, wherein

Xa is a group selected from C1-12 alkylene (substituted by one or two groups selected from C1-4 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy or by NRgRg), C2-12 alkenyl (optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from a C1-4 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy or by a NRgRg group) or Xa represents a group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is C (O), 0, S (0) n or NR8 ; Xb is a bond or a C1-12 alkylene chain; R7a is a group selected from : substituted phenyl, optionally substituted phenoxy, C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted 9 to 10 membered fused bicyclic carbocyclic ring, optionally substituted 5 or 6 membered heteroroaryl in which the 5-membered heteroaryl contains 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen and the 6-membered heteroaryl group contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms, 5-6 membered heterocyclic, or R7a represents optionally substituted fused bicyclic heteroaryl containing 9 or 10 ring members having at least one heteroatom selected from oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen; R7, R8 or Rg have the meanings defined in compounds of formula (I) When R5 is XR7, C (O) NHXR7 or when R4 is XR7, X is preferably C1 6 alkyl ene (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or C3-6 alkenyl(optionally substituted by NRgRg) or the group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is, O or NRg and the sum of p and q is an integer form 2 to 6.

When R2 is OC (O) XR7 or OC (O) NHXR7, X is preferably C1-6 alkylene (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or C3-6 alkenyl(optionally substituted by NRgRg) or the group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is, O or NRg and the sum of p and q is an integer form 2 to 6.

When Rs is C (O) XaR7, C (O) XbR7a or when R2 is OC (O) XaR7, OC (0) XbR7a Xa is preferably C1-6 alkylene substituted by NRgRg, C3-6 alkenyl (optionally

substituted by NRgRg) or the group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is 0 or NR8 the sum of p and q is an integer form 2 to 6; and Xb is preferably C1 6 alkylene.

When R5 is XR7, C (O) XR7, C (O) XaR7, C (O) NHXR7, when R4 is XR7 or when R2 is OC (O) XR7, OC (O) XaR7 or OC (O) NHXR7, R7 is preferably hydrogen, phenyl group (optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from halogen, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, cyano or 5 or 6 heteroaryl group), pyridyl, 3- quinolyl, 4-quinolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3 benzothiazolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetra hydroquinolyl, cyclopropyl, benzimidazolyl, isoquinolyl, naphthyl or furanyl When Rs is C (O) XbR7a or when R2 is OC (O) XbR7a, R7a is a phenyl group ( which is substituted by one or two groups selected from halogen, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, cyano or 5 or 6 heteroaryl group), pyridyl, 3-quinolyl, 4- quinolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3 benzothiazolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetra hydroquinolyl, cyclopropyl, benzimidazolyl, isoquinolyl, naphthyl or furanyl A particular class of compound of formula (I) is that wherein R2 is OC (O) XR7 or OC (O) NHXR7, X is C1 6 alkylene (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or C3 6 alkenyl (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or the group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is 0 or NRg and the sum of p and q is an integer form 2 to 6 and R7 is hydrogen, phenyl group (optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from halogen, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, cyano or 5 or 6 heteroaryl group), pyridyl, 3-quinolyl, 4-quinolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3 benzothiazolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetra hydroquinolyl, cyclopropyl, benzimidazolyl, isoquinolyl, naphthyl or furanyl Within this class the compounds, in which R2 is OC (O) XaR7, OC (O) XbR7a, wherein Xa is C1 6 alkylene substituted by NRgRg, C3 6 alkenyl (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or the group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is O or NR8, and the sum of p and q is an integer form 2 to 6, Xb is C1 6 alkylene and R7a is phenyl (which is substituted by one or two groups selected from halogen, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, cyano or 5 or 6 heteroaryl group), pyridyl, 3-quinolyl, 4-quinolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3 benzothiazolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetra hydroquinolyl, cyclopropyl, benzimidazolyi, isoquinolyl, naphthyl or furanyl, are particularly preferred

A preferred class of compounds of formula (I) is that wherein R5 is hydrogen or in which R5 and R6 taken together with the intervening atoms forms a cyclic carbonate having the following structure.

Within this class compounds in which R4 is hydrogen, C1 6 alkyl or C3-6 alkenyl are particularly preferred.

An other preferred class of compounds of formula (l) is that wherein R4 is hydrogen, C1 6 alkyl or C3-6 alkenyl.

A further particular class of compound of formula (I) is that wherein R5 is C (O) XR7, C (O) NHXR7, R4 is hydrogen or methyl, R2 is OC (O) XR7 or OC (O) NHXR7, X is C1-6 alkylene (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or C3 6 alkenyl (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or the group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is O or NRg and the sum of p and q is an integer form 2 to 6, R7 is hydrogen, phenyl group (optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from halogen, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, cyano or 5 or 6 heteroaryl group), pyridyl, 3- quinolyl, 4-quinolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3 benzothiazolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetra hydroquinolyl, cyclopropyl, benzimidazolyl, isoquinolyl, naphthyl or furanyl Within this class the compounds, in which R2 is OC (O) XaR7, OC (O) XbR7a, R5 is C (O) XaR7 or C (O) XbR7a, wherein Xa is C1 6 alkylene substituted by NRgRg, C3-6 alkenyl (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or the group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is 0 or NR8, p is 2 the sum of p and q is an integer form 2 to 6, Xb is C1-6 alkylene and R7a is a phenyl group (which is substituted by one or two groups selected from halogen, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, cyano or 5 or 6 heteroaryl group), pyridyl, 3-quinolyl, 4-quinolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3 benzothiazolyl, 1,2,3,4- tetra hydro-quinolyl, cyclopropyl, benzimidazolyl, isoquinolyl, naphthyl or furanyl, are particularly preferred.

A further particular class of compounds of formula (i) is that wherein R5 is hydrogen, R5 and R6 taken together with the intervening atoms forms a cyclic

carbonate, wherein R4 is hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl or C3-6 alkenyl R2 is OC (O) XR7 or OC (O) NHXR7, X is C1-6 alkylene (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or C3-6 alkenyl (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or the group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is O or NRg and the sum of p and q is an integer form 2 to 6, R7 is hydrogen, phenyl group (optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from halogen, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, cyano or 5 or 6 heteroaryl group), pyridyl, 3- quinolyl, 4-quinolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3 benzothiazolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetra hydro- quinolyl, cyclopropyl, benzimidazolyl, isoquinolyl, naphthyl or furanyl.

Within this class the compounds, in which R2 is OC (O) XaR7, OC (O) XbR7a, wherein Xa is C1-6 alkylene substituted by NRgRg, C3-6 alkenyl (optionally substituted by NRgRg) or the group (CH2) pY (CH2) q wherein Y is 0 or NR8, p is 2, the sum of p and q is an integer form 2 to 6, Xb is C1-6 alkylene and R7a is phenyl (which is substituted by one or two groups selected from halogen, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, cyano or 5 or 6 heteroaryl group), pyridyl, 3-quinolyl, 4-quinolyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,3 benzothiazolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetra hydro-quinolyl, cyclopropyl, benzimidazolyl, isoquinolyl, naphthyl or furanyl, are particularly preferred Particular preferred compounds of the invention are : <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 4"-O- [3- (3-quinolyl)-2-ethenylcarbonyl]-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoery thromycin A; 4"-O-(4-nitrophenylacetyl0-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythrom ycin A; 4"-O- [3- (3-quinolyl)-2-ethenylcarbonyl]-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A; 4"-0- [3- (1, 2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-quinolyl)-ethyl-carbonyl]-6-0-methyl-8a-a za-8a- homo-erythromycin A; 4"-O- (4- (3-quinolyl) butanoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A; 4"-O- (5- (3-quinolyl)-pentanoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromyci n A; 4"-O- (5- (3-quinolyl)-4-pentenoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromy cin A; 4"-0- [3- (3-quinolyl)-4-butenylcarbonyl)-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A; 4"-0-(4-(3-quinolyl)-3-butenoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homOer ythromycin A; 4"-O- (3-quinolyl) propenoyl-6-0-ethyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A; 4"-0- (4-nitrophenyl) acetyl-6-0-ethyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A; 4"-O- (p-Nitrophenylcarbamoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromyc in A; Compounds according to the invention also exhibit a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against a wide range of clinical pathogenic microorganisms.

For example, using a standard microtiter broth serial dilution test, compounds of the invention have been found to exhibit useful levels of activity against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae.

Furthermore compounds of the invention are also active against intracellular pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumonia, Clamydia spp, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumonia, species.

The compounds of the invention may therefore be used for treating a variety of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria in human beings and animals.

Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention, we provide a compound of formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof for use in the therapy.

According to a further aspect of the invention we provide the use of a compound of formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of a therapeutic agent for the treatment or prophylaxis of systemic or topical bacterial infections in a human or animal body.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention we provide a method of treatment of the human or non-human animal body to combat bacterial infections which method comprises administering to the body an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a physiological acceptable salt thereof.

While it is possible that, for use in therapy, a compound of the invention may be administered as the raw chemical it is preferable to present the active ingredient as a pharmaceutical formulation.

The compounds of the invention may be formulated for administration in any convenient way for use in human or veterinary medicine and the invention therefore includes within its scope pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention adapted for use in human or veterinary medicine.

Such compositions may be presented for use in conventional manner with the

aid of one or more suitable carriers or excipients. The compositions of the invention include those in a form especially formulated for parenteral, oral, buccal, rectal, topical, implant, ophthalmic, nasal or genito-urinary use.

The compounds according to the invention may be formulated for use in human or veterinary medicine by injection (e. g. by intravenous bolus injection or infusion or via intramuscular, subcutaneous or intrathecal routes) and may be presented in unit dose form, in ampoules, or other unit-dose containers, or in multi-dose containers, if necessary with an added preservative. The compositions for injection may be in the form of suspensions, solutions, or emulsions, in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilising, solubilising and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively the active ingredient may be in sterile powder form for reconstitution with a suitable vehicle, e. g. sterile, pyrogen-free water, before use.

The compounds of the invention may also be presented for human or veterinary use in a form suitable for oral or buccal administration, for example in the form of solutions, gels, syrups, mouth washes or suspensions, or a dry powder for constitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use, optionally with flavouring and colouring agents. Solid compositions such as tablets, capsules, lozenges, pastilles, pills, bouses, powder, pastes, granules, bullets or premix preparations may also be used. Solid and liquid compositions for oral use may be prepared according to methods well known in the art. Such compositions may also contain one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients which may be in solid or liquid form, The compounds of the invention may also be administered orally in veterinary medicine in the form of a liquid drench such as a solution, suspension or dispersion of the active ingredient together with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or excipient The compounds of the invention may also, for example, be formulated as suppositories e. g. containing conventional suppository bases for use in human or veterinary medicine or as pessaries e. g. containing conventional pessary bases.

The compounds according to the invention may be formulated for topical administration, for use in human and veterinary medicine, in the form of ointments, creams, gels, lotions, shampoos, powders, (including spray powders), pessaries, tampons, sprays, dips, aerosols, drops (e. g. eye ear or nose drops) or pour-ons.

Aerosol sprays are conveniently delivered from pressurised packs, with the use of a suitable propellant, eg dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas.

For topical administration by inhalation the compounds according to the invention may be delivered for use in human or veterinary medicine via a nebuliser.

The pharmaceutical compositions for topical administration may also contain other active ingredients such as corticosteroids or antifungals as appropriate.

The compositions may contain from 0. 01-99% of the active material. For topical administration, for example, the composition will generally contain from 0. 01- 10%, more preferably 0. 01-1% of the active material.

For systemic administration the daily dose as employed for adult human treatment it will range from 2-100mg/kg body weight, preferably 5-60mg/kg body weight, which may be administered in 1 to 4 daily doses, for example, depending on the route of administration and the condition of the patient. When the composition comprises dosage units, each unit will preferably contain 200mg to 1g of active ingredient.

The duration of treatment will be dictated by the rate of response rather than by arbitrary numbers of days.

Compounds of general formula (I) and salts thereof may be prepared by general method outlined hereinafter. In the following description, the groups Rl, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, Rg, Rg, R10, X, Y, n, m, p, and q have the meaning defined for the compounds of formula (I) unless otherwise stated.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R2 is a OC (0) XR7 group may be prepared by reaction of compounds of formula (I) wherein R2 is hydroxy with a suitable activated derivative of the carboxylic acid (II), followed where necessary by subsequent removal of the hydroxyl protecting group R3.

Suitable activated derivatives of the carboxyl group include the corresponding acyl halide, mixed anhydride or activated ester such as a thioester.

The reaction is preferably carried out in a suitable aprotic solvent such as a halohydrocarbon (e. g. dichloromethane) or N, N-dimethylformamide optionally in the presence of a tertiary base such as dimethylaminopyridine or triethylamine and at a temperature within the range of 0° to 120°C.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R2 is a OC (O) NHXR7 group may be prepared by reaction of compounds of formula (I), wherein R2 is hydroxy, with an isocyanate derivative (III) R7XNC (O) (III), followed where necessary by subsequent removal of the hydroxyl protecting group R3.

The reaction with compound (ill) is conveniently carried out in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile or halohydrocarbon (e. g dichloromethane).

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R2 together with R1 is an oxo group may be prepared by oxidation of the compound of formula (f), wherein R2 is hydroxy, using a modified Moffat-Pfitzner procedure.

Suitable oxiding agent include N, N-dimethylaminopropyl-3-ethyl carbodiimide- dimethylsulfoxide. The reaction is suitably carried out in the presence of pyridiniumtrifluoro acetate in a chlorinated solvent such as methylene chloride at -10°C to 25°C In a further embodiment, the oxidation may be carried out using Dess Martin periodinane reagent.

Alternatively compounds of formula (I) wherein R5 and or R4 is a XR7 group may be prepared by reacting compounds of formula (I), in which R4 represents hydrogen and R5 represents a suitable hydroxyl protecting group, XR7, C (0) XR7 or C (O) NHXR7 or in which R5 is hydrogen and R4 is a a suitable hydroxyl protecting group or a XR7 group, R2 is a protected hydroxy , OC (O) XR7, OC (O) NHXR7 or R2 together with Ri is a oxo group, with an alkylating compound of formula (IV) L-XR7 (IV) in which L is a suitable leaving group such as a halogen (e. g chlorine, bromine or iodine) or a sulfonyl (e. g. tosyl, methansulfonyl), in the presence of a base, followed by removal of an hydroxyl protecting group.

The reaction with compound (IV) is preferably carried out in a solvent such as a halohydrocarbon (e. g. dichloromethane), an ether (e. g. tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxyethane), acetonitrile or ethyl acetate and the like.

Examples of the bases which may be used include potassium hydroxide, cesium hydroxide, tetraalkylammonium hydroxyde, sodium hydride, potassium hydride and the like.

In a further embodiment of the invention compounds of formula (I), wherein R5 and or R4 is a XR7 group, may be prepared by chemical modification of initially prepared compounds of formula (I), wherein XR7 is a 2-propenyl group (hereinafter referred to as 2-propenyl derivatives).

Examples of chemical modifications of 2-propenyl derivatives include, but are not limited to, catalytically reduction to give compounds of the invention wherein XR7 is a propyl group, which can be then treated with osmium tetroxide to obtain compounds wherein XR7 is 2,3 dihydroxyl propyl, which in turn may be

further functionalized for example by esterification with an acylating agent such as an acyl chloride or acyl anhydride to give compounds of formula (I) wherein X is a 2-hydroxy propyloxy chain.

In a further embodiment, 2-propenyl derivatives may be converted to compounds of the invention wherein XR7 is a 2-propenyl R7 group, by reaction with a halide R7 compound under Heck condition as described in Organic Reactions, 1982,27,345-390.

Alternatively, 2-propenyl derivatives may be oxidized for example with m- chloroperoxybenzoic acid in an aprotic solvent to give the corresponding epoxy methyl compounds which may be opened with nucleofilic compounds such as amines or N-containing heteroaryl compounds to give coumpound of formula (I) wherein XR7 is a N-containing group.

In a further embodiment of the invention compounds of formula (I) wherein R2 is a OC (O) (CH2) 2Y (CH2) qR7 group in which Y is 0 or NHRg may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (l) wherein R2 is OC (O) acriloyl with a compound of formula (V) HY (CH2) qR7 (V) wherein Y is O or NHRg. The reaction is carried out in aprotic solvent such as acetonitrile.

In a further embodiment of the invention compounds of formula (I), wherein R5 is a C (O) NHXR7, may be prepared from compounds of formula (I), wherein R5 and R6 taken together with the intervening atoms form a cyclic carbonate (la), with amino derivatives of formula (VI) followed where necessary by subsequent removal of the hydroxyl protecting group R3.

The reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of tertiary amine such as triethylamine, pyridine and in an aprotic solvent such as for example halohydrocarbon (e. g. dichloromethane), an ether (e. g. tetrahydrofuran, dimethoxyethane), acetonitrile or ethyl acetate and the like.

Alternatively, compound of formula (I) wherein R5 is a C (O) XR7 group may be obtained from compound of formula (I) in which R5 is a hydrogen group by reaction with a suitable activated derivative of the carboxylic acid (II) using the reaction conditions above described, followed where necessary by subsequent removal of the hydroxyl protecting group R3.

In a further process compounds of formula (la) wherein R5 and R6 taken together with the intervening atoms form a cyclic carbonate as above defined, may be prepared by reaction of compounds of formula (I) wherein R5 is hydrogen group with ethylene carbonate or 1,1' carbonyldiimidazole in the presence of a base such as potassium or sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxy, or sodium hydride, followed by subsequent removal of the hydroxyl protecting group R3. The reaction is conveniently carried out in a protic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile or halohydrocarbon (e, g dichloromethane), ethyl acetate or N, N dimethylformamide.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein Rs is a XR7, a C (O) XR7 or a C (O) NHXR7 group and R2 is hydroxy may be prepared by reaction of compound of formula

(Ib), wherein R5 is a hydrogen and R3 and R3a are a hydroxyl protecting group as above defined with an alkylating compound of formula (IV) L-XR7 as above defined, an isocianate derivative R7XNCO (III) or with a suitable activated derivative of the carboxylic acid HOC (O) XR, 7 (II) respectively. The reaction conveniently takes place under the condition above described for preparing compounds of formula (I) wherein R5 is a XR7, a C (O) XR7 or a C (O) NHXR7 group.

Compounds of formula (I b), as defined above, may be obtained from compounds (I b), wherein R3 and R3a are hydrogen, by reaction with a suitable hydroxy protecting reagent.

Suitable hydroxy protecting reagent are those described by T. W. Greene and P. G. M Wuts in Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis 2"ex., John Wiley & Son, Inc 1991, which is incorporating by reference. Examples of suitable hydroxy protecting reagents include acetic anhydride, benzoic anhydride or a trialkylsilyl chloride in a protic solvent. Examples of aprotic solvent are dichloromethane, NN-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, tetrahydrofuran and the like.

Compounds of formula (I), wherein R5 and R3 is hydrogen and R2 is hydroxy may be obtained by Beckmann rearrangement of erythromycin A oxime derivatives (VII) in which R3b, R3 and R3a is hydrogen.

Example of suitable reagents catalyzing the rearrangement Beckmann include alkylsulphonyl halides such as methansulphonyl chloride or arylsulphonyl halides such as p-toluensulphonyl chloride, phenylsulphonyl chloride and the like. The reaction is carried out preferably in a solvent and in the presence of inorganic base (e. g. sodium hydrogencarbonate or potassiumcarbonate) or organic base such as pyridine. Suitable solvents include organic solvent such as an ether e. g. tetrahydrofuran, halohydrocarbon e. g. dichloromethane or acetonitrile or aqueous mixtures such as acetone-water or dioxan-water.

Oxime compounds (VII) may prepared by oximation of the oxo derivatives (VIII) wherein R3 and R3a is hydrogen using analogous methods to those described in USP 6110965.

Compounds (VIII) in which R4 is XR7 may be prepared by alkylation of compounds of formula (VII) wherein R4 is hydrogen, R3b is oxime protecting group and R3 and R3a is a hydroxyl protecting group, with a compound of formula (IV) L-XR7 (IV) in which L is a suitable leaving group using the procedures described above for obtaining compound of formula (I) wherein R5 and or R4 is XR7 followed by subsequent removal of oxime protecting group.

A suitable oxime protecting goup is R3b for example isopropylcyclohexyl.

Compounds of formula (II), (III), (IV) and (VIII) in which R4 is hydrogen may be prepared by analogous methods to those used for known compounds.

Where it is desired to isolate a compound formula (I) as a salt thereof, for example a pharmaceutical acceptable salt, this may be achieved by reacting the compound of formula (I) in the form of the free base with an appropriate amount of suitable acid and in a suitable solvent such as an alcohol (e. g. ethanol or methanol), an ester (e, g. ethyl acetate) or an ether (e. g. diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran) Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may also be prepared from other salts, including other pharmaceutical acceptable salts, of the compound of formula (I) using conventional methods.

The hydroxyl and oxime protecting groups may be removed by well known standard procedures such as those described in T. W. Greene and P. G. M Wuts in Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis 2nd ed, John Wiley &Son, lnc. 1991.

For example when R3aand R3 are a trialkyllsilyl group, this may be removed by treatment with tetrabutylammonium fluoride and acetic acid or by reaction with fuoride ions source such as triethyl amine tris (hydrogen fluoride) or this process is conveniently carried out in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or acetonitrile.

Similarly, when R3a and R3 are alkanol (i. e acetyl or benzoyl) these may be removed by treatment with an alcohol (e. g methanol or ethanol).

The nitrogen protecting group may be removed by well known standard procedures such as those described in T. W. Greene and P. G. M Wuts in Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis 2 ed., John Wiley &Son, lnc. 1991. Thus for example when R8 and Rg indipendently represent alkoxycarbonyl group may be removed by acid hydro ! isis.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood the following examples are given by way of illustration only.

In the Preparations and Examples, unless otherwise stated : Melting points (m. p.) were determined on a Büchi m. p. apparatus and are uncorrected. All temperatures refer to °C.

Infrared spectra were measured in chloroform-d1 solutions on an FT-IR instrument.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectra were recorded on Bruker Avance DRX 300 and DRX 500 as solutions in chloroform d-1, unless otherwise stated.

Chemical shifts are reported in ppm. MS spectra Micromass were recorded on Platform LCZ.

Column chromatography was carried out over silica gel (Merck AG Darmstadt, Germany).

Solutions were dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate potassium carbonate.

"Petrol"refers to petroleum ether, b, p. 40-60 OC Methylene chloride was redistilled ; tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate and DMF were dried over activated molecular sieves.

The following abbreviations are used in the text : PE=petroleum ether, EE=ethyl ether, EA=ethyl acetate, CH=cyclohexane, DCM=dichloromethane,

MeCN=acetonitrile, THF=tetrahydrofurane, DMF=N, N-dimethyl formamide, MeOH=methyl alcohol, NMP=1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, TEA=triethylamine, DMAP=dimethylaminopyridine, EDC=1-ethyl-3-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide.

Intermediate 1 6-O-allyl-2', 4"-bis-O-trimethylsilylerythromycin A 9(Z)-[O-(1-isopropoxy- cyclohexyl)-oxime To a 0 °C solution of 2', 4"-bis-O-trimethylsilylerythromycin A 9 (Z)- [0- (1- isopropoxycyclohexyl) oxime] (2. 5 g), in 40 ml of DMF freshly distilled allyl bromide (1.3 ml) was added. After approximately 5 minutes, potassium hydroxide (0. 64 g) was added, portionwise, during about 20 minutes. After 2 hrs reaction was quenched with 20% solution of sodium hydroxide (40 ml), hexane (50 ml) was added and layers were separated. Water layer was extracted with hexane (2x40 ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over potassium carbonate, filtered and evaporated at reduced pressure, yielding the title compound (2. 3 g) TLC (Aceton/Hexan/TEA=1/5/0. 001) Rf 0. 49, MS (M+H) 1055 Intermediate 2 6-O-allyl-erythromycin A (E) (Z) 9-oxime (2a and 2b) A mixture of intermediate 1 (2. 3 g), MeOH (30 ml), water (60 ml) and acetic acid (pH 5) was stirred for 24 hrs at r. t.. MeOH was evaporated at reduced pressure and residue extracted with methylene chloride (3x50 ml) at pH 9.8. The combined organic extracts were dried over potassium carbonate, filtered and evaporated at reduced pressure, yielding the title compound as a mixture of 9 (Z)- and 9 (E)-oximes. Such a mixture was purified by chromatography (ethylacetate-(n-hexane)-diethylamine 60 : 30 : 2) to obtain 9 (E)-oxime (2a) (0.59 g) Rf 0. 647, ethylacetate- (n-hexane)-diethylamine 100: 100 : 20, MS (M+H) 790. 1, 'H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) 6 : 3. 77 (H-8), 2. 61 (H-10), 3. 94 (6-OCH2), 5. 92 (6- OCH2CH), 5.12 (6-O-CH2CH=CH2),'3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 8 : 25. 3 (C-8), 32. 9 (C-10), 79.2 (C-6), 65. 7 (6-OCH2), 136. 5 (6-OCH2 CH), 115. 5 (6-O- CH2CH=CH2) and 9 (Z)-oxime (2b) (0. 3 g)

Rf 0. 571, ethylacetate- (n-hexane)-diethylamine 100 : 100 : 20, MS (M+H) 790. 1, 'H NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) ã 2 79 (H-8), 2.71 (H-10), 4. 10 (6-OCH2), 5.91 (6- OCH2CH), 5.11 (6-O-CH2CH=CH2), 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) 6 : 38. 6 (C-8), 34. 2 (C-10), 79. 3 (C-6), 65. 1 (6-OCH2), 136.1 (6-OCH2CH), 116.0 (6-O- CH2CH=CH2).

Intermediate 3 2'-O-acetyl-4"-O-trimetylsilyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (1. 1 g, 0.0015 mol) was ddisolved in DCM (40 mL), than added acetic anhydride (1 eqv.) and left overnight at room temperature. Reaction mixture was washed with NaHC03 aqueous solution (20 mL) and water (20 mL). After evaporation of the solvent to dryness 2'-O-acetyl- 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A was obtained (1. 0 g) which . was dissolved in CH2CI2 (10 ml) and cooled to 0-5° C. Then pyridine (0. 31 ml) and trimethylsilyl chloride (0. 33 ml) were added and stirred for 2 hours at the same temperature. Upon the completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was washed with NaH2PO4., water and brine, and reduced to dryness in vacuo affording 0. 94 g of the title compound. Ms (ES) m/z : [MH] + 863 Example 1 4"-O- (4-nitrophenylacetyl)-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 4-nitrophenylacetic acid (0. 25 g) in DCM (3 ml) was added triethylamine (0. 130 ml), and the resulting solution was cooled to 0°C in an ice- water bath, under an argon atmosphere. To the cooled reaction solution pivaloyl chloride (0.115 ml) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred for 30 min. To the reaction mixture pyridine (0. 3 ml) was added and then 2'-O-acetyl-6-O- methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (0. 25 g). The resulting mixture was stirred for 6 hrs, during which time the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to r. t.. The reaction was quenched adding saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (20 ml), then DCM (20 ml) was added and aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2x10 ml). The combined DCM extracts were washed with brine (20 ml) dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo, The brown residue was purified via column chromatography EtOAc-hexane-Et2N=6: 2 : 0. 02, to obtain 290 mg of a brown foamy product which was dissolved in MeOH (15 ml)

and stirred over night and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography (MeOH-DCM-ammonia=5: 90: 0.5) to obtain the title compound (120 mg) as a brown-yellow solid.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 926. 9 'H NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) 8 ppm 8. 20 (H-Ph, 7. 49 (H-Ph), 5. 69 (8a-CONH), 5. 07 (H-1"), 4,947 (H-13), 4. 71 (H-4"), 4. 55 (H-1'), 4.38 (H-5"), 4,17 (H-8), 3. 99 (H-3), 3. 83 (H-CH2Ph), 3.74 (H-5'), 3. 73 (H-CH2Ph), 3. 68 (H-5), 3. 49 (H-11), 3 31 (H-3"-OMe), 3.28 (H-2'), 3. 16 (H-OMe), 2. 72 (H-3'), 2. 70 (H-2), 2,48 (3'-NMe2), 2. 39 (H-2"a), 2.29 (H-10), 1. 93 (H-14a), 1,93 (H-4), 1. 91 (H-4'a), 1. 66 (H-7a), 1. 63 (H-2"b), 1.54 (H-7b), 1. 46 (H-14b), 1. 36 (H-6Me), 1. 31 (H-4'b), 1,24 (H- 2Me), 1. 20 (H-5'Me), 1. 18 (H-10Me), (H-5"Me), 1. 14 (H-8Me), 1. 12 (H-3"Me), 1. 06 (H-4Me), 1. 04 (H-12Me), 0. 90 (H-15).

3C NMR (125 MHz, CDCI3) 8 ppm : 177. 2,174. 4, 169.9,147.3,140.8,130.3, 123.8, 102.3, 95.4, 80.3, 79.8, 78.8, 77.4, 77.2, 74.3, 73.0, 70.8, 70.4, 67.9, 65.5,62.8,51.8,49.5,45.4,42.9,42.4,42.2,41.0,40.835.1,23.8,2 1.6,21.6, 21.2,17.9,16.2, 15. 0,11.2,9.7, 9. 5 Example 2 4"-O- [3- (3-quinolyl)-2-ethenylcarbonyl]-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A To a solution of 2'-O-acetyl--6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (500 _mg) in DMC (5 ml) and dry DMF (7. 5 ml) 3- (3-quinolyl) acrylic acid (740 mg) was added and the resulting white suspension was cooled to 0°C under an argon atmosphere. To the reaction mixture EDC hydrochloride (720 mg) was added in one portion, followed by addition of DMAP (75 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 days at r. t.. The reaction was quenched adding saturated sodium bicarbonate (30 ml), then DMC (20 ml) was added and pH of resulting solution was adjusted to 9.5 with 2N NaOH. The aqueous layer was extracted with DMC (2x 20 ml). The combined DMC extracts were washed with brine (20 ml), dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo.

The brown residue was dissolved in MeOH (30 ml) and was stirred over night, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography (MeOH-EA=8: 2) to obtain the title compound (420 mg) as a yellow solid.

Ms (ES) m/z : [MH]'945. 1

'H NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) 8 ppm: 9.11 (Q-2), 8. 24 (Q-4), 8.12 (Q-8), 7.89 (Q- CH=CH), 7.87 (Q-5), 7.78 (Q-7), 7.61 (Q-6), 6.71 (Q-CH=CH), 5.69 (8a-CONH), 5.11 (H-1"), 4,97 (H-13), 4.85 (H-4"), 4.56 (H-1'), 4.47 (H-5"), 4,19 (H-8), 4. 01 (H-3), 3.79 (H-5'), 3.71 (H-5), 3.52 (H-11), 3.37 (H-3"-OMe, 3.20 (H-2'), 3.18 (s, 6-OMe), 2.71 (H-2), 2,61 (H-3'), 2.45 (H-2"a), 2.35 (3'-NMe2), 2.27 (H-10), 1.93 (H-10), 1. 93 (H-14a), 1.74 (H-4'a), 1.69 (H-7a), 1.69 (H-2"b), 1. 59 (H-7b), 1.47 (H-14b), 1. 38 (H-6Me), 1.29 (H-4'b), 1,24 (H-2Me), 1.23 (H-5'Me), 1. 20 (H- 5"Me), 1.19 (H-3"Me), 1.18 (H-10Me), 1.13 (H-12Me), 1.13 (H-8Me), 1.11 (H- 4Me), 0.9 (H-15).

13C NMR (125 MHz, CDCI3) 8 ppm: 177.1,174.4,166.2,148.7,"148.6,142.4, 136.1,130.8,129.5,128.4,127.7,127.2 (2C), 119.3,102.7,95.6,80.3,79.2, 78.8,77.8,77.2,74.3,73.1,70.9,70.4,68.2,65.5,63.1,51.8,49.6, 45.6,43.0, 42.4,42.3,41.0,40.41,39.4,35.2,29.4,23.8,21.7,21.7,21.5,21.2 ,17.9,16.2, 15.1,14.1,11.2,9.6,9.5.

Example 3 4"-O- [3- (4-quinolyl)-2-etheny Icarbony ]-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homo- erythromycin A To a solution of 2'-O-acetyl--6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (50 mg) in DCM (1 ml) and dry DMF (1 ml) 3- (4-quinolyl) acrylic acid (740 mg) was added and the resulting white suspension was cooled to 0°C, under an argon atmosphere. To the reaction mixture EDC hydrochloride (73 mg) was added in one portion, followed by addition of DMAP (10 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 days at r. t.. The reaction was quenched adding saturated sodium bicarbonate (10 ml), then DCM (10 ml) was added and pH of resulting solution was adjusted to 9.5 with 2N NaOH. The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2x10 ml). The combined DCM extracts were washed with brine (20 ml), dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo. The brown residue was dissolved in MeOH (15 ml) and stirred over night, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography MeOH- EtOAc=8: 2) to obtain the title compound (30 mg) as a yellow solid.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 944. 7 'H NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) 8 ppm : 8. 97 (Q-2), 8.50 (Q-CH=CH), 8.17 (Q-8), 8.16 (Q-7), 7. 79 (Q-7), 7.65 (Q-6), 7.54 (Q-3), 6.67 (Q-CH=CH), 5.66 (8a-CONH), 5. 12 (H-1"), 4,96 (H-13), 4.87 (H-4"), 4.55 (H-1'), 4.46 (H-5"), 4,17 (H-8), 4.02

(H-3), 3.78 (H-5'), 3.71 (H-5), 3.51 (H-11), 3.37 (H-3"-OMe), 3.23 (H-2'), 3.18 (6- OMe), 2.71 (H-2), 2,68 (H-3'), 2.46 (H-2"a), 2.37 (3'-NMe2), 2.27 (H-10), 1.93 (H-4), 1.93 (H-14a), 1.76 (H-4'a), 1.70 (H-2"b), 1.67 (H-7a), 1.56 (H-7b), 1.47 (H- 14b), 1.37 (H-6Me), 1.29 (H-4'b), 1,23 (H-5'Me), 1.203 (H-2Me), 1. 20 (H-3"Me), 1.20 (H-3"Me), 1.20 (H-2"Me), 1. 19 (H-1OMe), 1. 13 (H-8Me), 1.13 (H-12Me), 1.10 (H-4Me), 0.9 (H-15).

"C NMR-spektar (125 MHz, CDCI3) S ppm : 177.2,174.4,165.8,150.2,148.8, 140.6,139.7,130.4,129.9,127.5,125.9,123.7,123.2,118.1,102.5, 95.5,80.3, 79.5,78.9,77.6,77.2,74.3,73.2,70.9,70.5,68.1,65.5,63.1,51.9, 49.6,45.6, 43.0,42.5,42.2,41.1,40.4,35.2,29.7,23.9,21.7,21.3,18.0,16.2, 15.1,11.2, 9.7,9.5.

Example 4 4"-O- [3- (3-quinolyl)-2-ethenylcarbonyl]-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 2'-O-acetyl--8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (500 mg) in DCM (5 ml) and dry DMF (7.5 ml) 3- (3-quinolyl) acrylic acid (740 mg) was added and the resulting white suspension was cooled to 0°C, under an argon atmosphere.

To the reaction mixture EDC hydrochloride (720 mg) was added in one portion, followed by addition of DMAP (75 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 days at r. t.. The reaction was quenched adding saturated sodium bicarbonate (30 ml), then DCM (20 ml) was added and pH of resulting solution was adjusted to 9. 5 with 2N NaOH. The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2x 20 ml).

The combined DCM extracts were washed with brine (20 ml) dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo. The brown residue was dissolved in MeOH (30 ml) and was stirred over night, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography (MeOH- EA=8: 2) to give the title compound (250 mg) as a yellow solid.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 930. 6 'H NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) 8 ppm : 9. 101 (Q-2), 8.25 (Q-4), 8.11 (Q-8), 7.90 (Q- 5), 7.89 (Q-CH=CH), 7.78 (Q-7), 7.61 (Q-6), 6.68 (Q-CH=CH), 6.06 (8a-CONH), 5. 18 (H-1"), 4,94 (H-13), 4.86 (H-4"), 4. 61 (H-1'), 4.45 (H-5"), 4.38 (H-3), 4,20 (H-8), 3.87 (H-5'), 3.62 (H-5), 3.52 (H-11), 3.35 (H-3"-OMe), 3.24 (H-2'), 2,68 (H- 3'), 2.66 (H-2), 2.65 (s, 6-OMe), 2.43 (H-2"a), 2. 41 (3'-NMe2), 2.37 (H-10), 1. 94 (H-4), 1.91 (H-14a), 1.83 (H-4'a), 1.69 (H-2"b), 1.60 (H-7a), 1.1.53 (H-7b), 1.44

(H-14b), 1.41 (H-6Me), 1.29 (H-4'b), 1,22-1.18 (8Me, 5'Me, 5"Me, 2Me, 3"Me and 10 Me), 1.11 (H-4Me), 1.10 (12Me), 0.91 (H-15).

'3C NMR (125 MHz, Cd'3) 5 ppm : 177.4,176.2,165.8,148.3,148.3,142.4, 141.9,135.7,130.5,129.0,128.1,127.2,126.2 (2C), 118.9,102.0,94.3,82.4, 78.9,76.9,76.5,74.4,73.6,72.9,70.2,69.6,67.8,65.4,62.6,49.2, 45.3,42.7, 42.1,41.3,40.2,40.0,34.7,28.9,27.4,23.0,21.4,21.4,20.9,17.5. 15.9,14.39, 10. 9,9.2,8.9.

Example 5 4"-O- (3-pyridylacetyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 2'-O-acetyl-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (1.0 g) in DCM (10 ml) at 0°C, 3-Pyridylacetate hydrochloride (3.723 mmol), 1-Ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (3,723 mmol) and 4- (dimethylamino) pyridine (1,241 mmol) were added and reaction mixture was stirred at r. t. for 2 hrs. The reaction mixture was washed with water at pH=10 (3X10 ml). The organic layer was washed with brine (50 ml) and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was then removed in vacuo to give crude 2'acetyl 2'-O- acetyl-3-O-decladinosyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromyci n A which was dissolved in MeOH and stirred for 10 hrs. MeOH is then removed in vacuo and crude product is purified by chromatography using DCM: MeOH : ammonia = 90: 3: 0,3 to give the title compound (85 mg) as a whitesolid.

MS (M+H) 883.9,'H NMR (300 MHz, Cd'3) 8 : 8.51,8.49,7.65,7.26 (Py), 5.85 (8a-CONH), 5.04 (H-1"), 4.92 (H-13), 4,67 (H-4"), 4.37 (H-5"), 4.49 (H-1'), 4.17 (H-8), 3. 96 (H-3), 3.70 (H-5'), 3. 65 (H-5), 3. 62 (4"-CH2-Py), 3.49 (H-11), 3. 27 (3"-OMe), 3.15 (H-2'), 3.13 (6-OMe), 2.66 (H-2), 2.52 (H-3'), 2.34 (H-2"a), 2. 29 (3'-NMe2), 2. 25 (H-10), 1.91 (H-4), 1. 91 (H-14a), 1.68 (H-7a), 1.68 (H-4'a), 1. 62 (H-2"b), 1.55 (H-7b), 1.47 (H-14b), 1. 34 (6-Me), 1.31 (5"-Me), 1.18 (5'-Me), 1.18 (2-Me), 1. 18 (H-4'b), 1.16 (10-Me), 1.14 (12-Me), 1.09 (8-Me), 1.06 (4-Me), 0.98 (3"-Me), 0.86 (15-Me).

'3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC ! 3) § : 176.8,174.0,170.0,148.5,148.4,136.3,129.0, 123.4,102.3,95.0,80.1,79.7,78.4,77.2,76.7,73.8,72.5,70.4,70. 0,67.8, 62.4,65.1,51.4,49.1,45.4,42.6,42.6,41.8,40.5,40.0,38.0,34.7, 28.5,23,4, 23,4,21.3,21.3,21.2,20.9,15.8,14.6,10.8,9.2,9.0.

Example 6 4"-O- (p-Nitrophenylcarbamoyl)-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromyc in A To the solution of 2'-O-acetyl-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (300 mg) in Toluene (5 ml) p-Nitrophenylisocyanate (2.235 mmol) was added at r. t. and reaction mixture was stirred at 50° C for 120 hrs. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo. Crude product was dissolved in MeOH and stirred for 10 hrs. MeOH is then removed in vacuo and crude product is purified by chromatography using DCM: MeOH : ammonia = 90 : 3: 0,3 to give the title compound (85 mg) as a white-yellow solid.

MS (M+H) 969.8,'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 8 : 7.61,8.20 (Ph), 6.12 (8a- CONH), 5.00 (H-1"), 4. 99 (H-13), 4.84 (H-2'), 4,66 (H-4"), 4.38 (H-5"), 4.52 (H- 1'), 4.17 (H-8), 4.05 (H-5'), 3.90 (H-3), 3.60 (H-5), 3.60 (H-3'), 3.50 (H-11), 3.37 (3"-OMe), 3. 15 (6-OMe), 2.72 (H-2), 2.47 (H-2"a), 2.42 (3'-NMe2), 2.26 (H-10), 2.12 (2'-OC=O-CH3), 1.95 (H-4), 1. 95 (H-14a), 1.88 (H-4'a), 1.71 (H-2"b), 1.68 (H-7a), 1. 54 (H-7b), 1.44 (H-14b), 1.38 (H-4'b), 1.35 (6-Me), 1.28 (5"-Me), 1.23 (5'-Me), 1. 23 (2-Me), 1.23 (3"-Me), 1.19 (10-Me), 1.14 (12-Me), 1.10 (8-Me), 0,98 (4-Me), 0.87 (15-Me).

'3C NMR (75 MHz, CDC ! 3) 8 : 174. 8,174.6,169.8,152.3,143.5,142.8,124.8, 117.5,101.1,96.4,82.4,79.9,79.6,79.0,76.9,73.6,73.0,70.7,70. 2,67.8, 62.7,62.6,51.1,49.2,45.1,41.8,41.8,41.4,40,8,40.2,35.2,31.3, 23.3,22,4, 21.3,20.1,20.1,20.1,17.2,15.8,14.9,10.5,9.3,9.5.

Example 7 4"-O- (3-Trifluoromethylphenylcarbamoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homo - erythromycin A To a solution of 300 mg 2'-O-acetyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (0. 373 mmol) in 5 mi toluene 3-Trifluormethylphenylisocyanate (2.235 mmol) was added at r. t. and the reaction mixture was stirred at 50° C for 120 hrs. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo, Crude product was dissolved in MeOH and stirred for 10 hrs. MeOH is then removed in vacuo and crude product is purified by chromatography using DCM: MeOH : ammonia = 90: 3: 0,3 to give the title compound (221 mg) as a white-yellow solid.

MS (M+H) 994. 1,'H NMR (300 MHz, Cd'3) 8 : 7.78,7.59,7.42,7.32 (Ph), 5.83 (8a-CONH), 5.07 (H-1"), 4.97 (H-13), 4,65 (H-4"), 4.38 (H-5"), 4.48 (H-1'), 4.16 (H-8), 3.99 (H-3), 3. 98 (H-5'), 3. 68 (H-5), 3.50 (H-11), 3. 35 (3"-OMe), 3.25 (H-

2'), 3.17 (6-OMe), 2.82 (H-3'), 2.71 (H-2), 2.47 (3'-NMe2), 2.43 (H-2"a), 2.28 (H- 10), 1. 93 (H-4), 1.91 (H-14a), 1.72 (H-7a), 1.68 (H-2"b), 1.57 (H-7b), 1. 46 (H- 14b), 1. 38 (6-Me), 1. 25 (H-4'b), 1. 23 (5"-Me), 1.23 (5'-Me), 1.23 (2-Me), 1.21 (3"- Me), 1.19 (10-Me), 1. 14 (12-Me), 1. 13 (8-Me), 1.09 (4-Me), 0.88 (15-Me).

"C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) a : 176. 6,174.4,153.0,138.4,131.1,129.4,121.5, 119.9,115.2,102.8,95.7,80.1,78.3,79.6,78.8,77.0,74.1,73.2,70 .7,70.3, 68.2,65.1,62.9,51.7,49.5,45.5,42.7,42.2,41.8,41.0,40.2,35.1, 29.7,23,6, 21,6,21. 4,21.2,21.0,17.7,16.0,15.2,10.9,9.5,9.5.

Example 8 4"-O- (Chloroacetyl)-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 2'-O-acetyl-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (21 C mg) in DCM (3 ml) chloroacetic acid (123 mg) was added and the resulting solution was cooled to 0°C under an argon atmosphere. To the reaction mixture EDC HCI (250 mg) in one portion, followed by addition of DMAP (10 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 h. The reaction was quenched via addition saturated sodium bicarbonate (20 ml), than to the reaction mixture was added DCM (20 ml). pH of resulting solution was adjusted to 9.5 with 2N NaOH. The layers were separated and aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2x 20 ml).

The combined DCM extracts were washed with brine (20 ml), dried over K2CO3 and concentrated in vacuo.

The brown residue was dissolved in MeOH (20 ml) and was stirred over night.

The solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via column chromatography MeOH-DCM-NH40H=4: 90 : 0.5) to give the title compound (150 mg) as a yellow solid.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 839. 8 'H NMR (500 MHz, Cd13) 8 ppm: 5.65 (8a-CONH), 5. 08 (H-1"), 4,93 (H-13), 4.73 (H-4"), 4. 55 (H-1'), 4.37 (H-5"), 4,20 (H-8),), 4.13 (AB, CH2CI), 4.07 (AB, CH2CI), 4.00 (H-3), 3.72 (H-5'), 3.67 (H-5), 3.47 (H-11), 3.32 (H-3"OMe), 3.32 (H-2'), 3.15 (6-OMe), 2.83 (H-3'), 2,69 (H-2), 2.54 (3'-NMe2), 2.40 (H-2"a), 2. 30 (H-10), 2.0-1.85 (H-4'a, H-4 and H-14a), 1.64 (H-2"b), 1.63 (H-7a), 1.51 (H-7b), 1.46 (H-14b), 1.35 (H-6Me), 1.29-1.09 (H-4'b, H-2Me, H-5'Me, H-5"Me, H-3"Me, H-10Me, H-12Me, H-8Me), 1.04 (H-4Me), 0.89 (H-15).

"C NMR (125 MHz, CDCI3) 8 ppm: 177.0,173.9,166.7,101.7,94.8,80.4,79.8, 78.4,76.8,76.7,73.9,72.6,70.4,70.0,67.3,65.2,62.4,51.5,49.1, 45.1,42.5,

42. 1,41.8,40.6,40.3,40.1,34.6,30.1,29.3,23.5,21.3,21.1,20.8,20. 5,17.5, 15.8,14.6,10.8,9.2,9.1 Example 9 4"-O-Acriloyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 2'-O-acetyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (1.80 g) in dry toluene (30 ml), under argon atmosphere, TEA (2.90 ml) was added in one portion. To the reaction mixture 3-chloropropionyl chloride (0.63 ml) was added during several minutes. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hrs. Two more equivalents of TEA and one equivalent of 3-chloropropionyl chloride were added to the reaction solution and stirred for additional 2 hrs. The reaction was quenched via addition saturated sodium bicarbonate (60 ml). The layers were separated and aqueous layer was extracted with toluene (3X30 ml). The combined toluene extracts were washed with brine (20 ml) dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product, from the above step was dissolved in MeOH (100 ml) and the solution was stirred at r. t. for 24 hrs.

The reaction mixture was heated to reflux and stirred for 2 hrs. The solvent was evaporated and the crude product was purified via flash chromatography (MeOH-DCM-NH40H=5: 90 : 0.5) to give the title compound (1.54 g) as a white solid.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 817. 5 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) # _ppm : 6.46 (CH2=CHC (0) O, 6.14 46 (CH2=CHC (O) O, 5.90 (CH2=CHC (0), 5.62 (8a-CONH), 5.08 (H-1"), 4,94 (H-13), 4. 76 (H-4"), 4.57 (H-1'), 4.37 (H-5"), 4,15 (H-8), 4.00 (H-3), 3.68 (H-5'), 3.68 (H- 5).

'3C NMR (75 MHz, Cd'3) 8 ppm : 177. 0,173.9,165.5,131.4,127.6,101.8, 94.8,79.6,78.4,78.3,76.7,76.6,73.9,72.6,70.5,70.0,67.4,65.1, 62.7,51.5, 49.1,45.1,42.5,42.0,41.9,40.6,40.1,34.8,34.6,29.6,23.5,21.3, 21.1,20.7, 20.5,17.6,15.8,14.6,14.1,10.8,9.3,9.1.

Example 10 4"-O-N-(2-pyridylmethyl) carbamoyl-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homo- erythromycin A 11,12-Carbonate (10a) 4", 11-Bis [N- (2-pyridylmethyl) carbamoyl]-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homo- erythromycin A (10b) _

A solution of intermediate 5 (200 mg) in (2-aminomethyl) pyridine (1.0 ml). The resulting mixture was stirred at r. t. for 3 hrs. DCM (30 ml) and H20 (30 ml) were added. The layers were separated, and the DCM layer was washed with H20 (2X20 ml), brine (2X20 ml) dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo.

To the residue MEOH (20 ml) was added and stirred over night. The solvent was evaporated, and the crude product was purified via flash chromatography MeOH-DCM-NH40H=5-90-0. 5 to obtain example 10a (70 mg) Ms (ES) m/z : [MH] + 924. 0 and example 10b Ms (ES) m/z: [MH]'1032. 3 Example 11 4"-O- [3- (3-quinolyl)-2-ethenylcarbonyl]-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homo- erythromycin A 11,12-Carbonate To a solution of 11,12-cyclic carbonate 2'-O-acetyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A (950 mg) in DCM (10 mi) and dry DMF (13 ml) 3- (3- quinolyl) acrylic acid (1360 mg) was added and the resulting white suspension was cooled to 0°C under an argon atmosphere. To the reaction mixture EDC hydrochloride (140 mg) was added in one portion, followed by addition of DMAP (75 mg), The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 days at r. t., The reaction was quenched adding saturated sodium bicarbonate (50 ml), then DCM (50 ml) was added and pH of resulting solution was adjusted to 9.5 with 2N NaOH. The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2x 20 ml). The combined DCM extracts were washed with brine (20 ml), dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo.

The brown residue was dissolved in MeOH (30 ml) and was stirred over night, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography using DCM: MeOH : NH40H = 90: 3: 0,3 to give the title compound (850mg) as a white-yellow solid.

MS (M+H) 970. 9,'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 6 : 9. 11,8.26,8.12,7.92,7.78,7.61 (Ql), 7.89 (4"-OCOCHCH-QI), 6. 75 (4"-OCOCHCH-QI), 5.04 (H-1"), 4. 96 (H-13), 4. 87 (H-4"), 4.59 (H-1'), 4.45 (H-11), 4. 42 (H-5"), 4. 02 (H-3), 4. 07 (H-8), 3. 67 (H- 5'), 3.63 (H-5), 3.38 (3"-OMe), 3.18 (6-OMe), 2.76 (H-2), 2. 46 (H-2"a), 2. 39 (H-

10), 2.39 (3'-NMe2), 1.92 (H-4), 1.87 (H-14a), 1.85 (H-4'a), 1.85 (H-7a), 1.71 (H- 2"b), 1. 60 (H-14b), 1. 55 (H-7b), 1.45 (12-Me), 1.36 (H-4'b), 1. 35 (6-Me), 1.30 (10-Me), 1.26 (2-Me), 1.22 (5"-Me), 1.21 (5'-Me), 1.15 (8-Me), 1.15 (3"-Me), 1.01 (4-Me), 0.92 (H-15).

"C NMR (75MHz, CD03) 5 : 175.5,169.9,166.1,148.7,148.7,148.5,142.6, 135.9,130.7,128.3,128.3,127.5,127.5,126.9,118.9,101.0,96.4,8 5.3,82.1, 80.9,79.9,78.7,77.9,75.9,73.1,68.0,63.1,50.9,49.5,45.5,41.6, 41.8,41.2, 40.5,40.5,35.3,31.3,22.8,22.3,21.5,21.1,17.6,17.6,15.1,14.1, 11.8,10.2, 9.9, Example 12 11-Morpholinylethylcarbamoyl-4"-O- [3- (3-quinolyl) 2-ethenylcarbonyl]-6-O- methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 11-morpholinyethyl carbamate 2'-O-acetyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza- 8a-homoerythromycin A (138 mg) in DCM (1 ml) and dry DMF (1 ml) 3- (3- quinolyl) acrylic acid (214 mg) was added and the resulting white suspension was cooled to 0°C under an argon atmosphere. To the reaction mixture EDC hydrochloride (207 mg) was added in one portion, followed by addition of DMAP (27 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred for 5 days at r. t.. The reaction was quenched adding saturated sodium bicarbonate (20 ml), then DCM (20 ml) was added and pH of resulting solution was adjusted to 9.5 with 2N NaOH. The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2X20 ml). The combined DCM extracts were washed with brine (20 ml), dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo to give the 148 mg of 2'-O-Acetyl-derivative of the title compounds as a brown-yellow solid MS (M+H) 1142 3.

The product was dissolved in MeOH (30 ml) and stirred overnight, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography (MeOH-DCM-ammonia=5 : 90: 0.5) to give the title compound (105 mg) as a white solid.

MS (M+H) 1100.3.

Example 13 4"-Oxo-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 2'-O-Acetyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (1.17 g) was dissolved in DCM (13 ml), added pyridine (0.265 ml) and heated at reflux.

Dess-Martin periodinane reagent (2.8 g) was added in two portions and reaction mixture stirred for 3 hrs. The reaction was washed with saturated Na2S203, sodium bicarbonate and brine, dried over K2CO3, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude material was left in MeOH overnight, after which time the solvent was removed. The crude product (1.10 g) was purified by chromatography eluting with DCM-MeOH-ammonia solution 25 % (90 : 9: 0.5) to give f the title compound (197 mg).

MS (M+H) + : 761 Example 14 6-0-allyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A Intermediate 2b (0.3 g) was dissolved in acetone (10 ml) and the solution was cooled to 0-5°C. Subsequently, solutions of p-toluenesulfonylchloride (0. 51 g) in acetone (10 ml) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (0.45 g) in water (10 ml) were dropwise added thereto within 1 hour under stirring. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 8 hours, acetone was evaporated at reduced pressure and to the aqueos solution methylenechloride (10 mi) was added, whereupon it was extracted at pH 9.8. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over potassium carbonate and evaporated at reduced pressure, yielding the title compound (0.23 g) Rf 0.535, ethylacetate- (n-hexane)-diethylamine 100: 100: 20, MS (M+H) 789.6, 'H NMR (500 MHz, CDCI3) 8 : 6.32 (8a-CONH), 6.06 (6-OCH2CH), 5. 15 (6-O- CH2CH=CH2a), 5.07 (6-O-CH2CH=CH2b), 4.98 (H-13), 4.95 (H-1"), 4.21 (H-8), 4. 10 (H-5"), 4. 01 (6-OCH2), 4. 01 (H-3), 4. 48 (H-5), 4.48 (H-11), 3. 31 (3"-OMe), 3.19 (H-2'), 3.03 (H-4"), 2. 74 (H-2), 2. 52 (H-3'), 2.39 (H-2"a), 2.34 (3'-NMe2), 2. 00 (H-4), 1.95 (H-7a), 1.75 (H-14a), 1.64 (H-4'a), 1. 54 (H-2"b), 1.48 (H-14b), 1. 40 (6-Me), 1.30 (5"-Me), 1.26 (5'-Me), 1.25 (12-Me), 1.23 (2-Me), 1.18 (10- Me), 1.15 (8-Me), 1.13 (4-Me), 0.87 (15-Me).

"C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 6 : 175.8 (C-1), 174. 5 (C-9), 137. 6 (6-OCH2CH), 115.7 (6-O-CH2CH=CH2), 103.3 (C-1'), 95.6 (C-1"), 81.4 (C-5), 80.2 (C-6), 79.9 (C-3), 78.1 (C-4"), 77.2 (C-13), 74.2 (C-12), 72.9 (C-3"), 70.9 (C-11), 70.8 (C-2'), 69.0 (C-5'), 65.9 (6-OCH2), 65. 7 (C-5"), 65.6 (C-3'), 49.4 (3"-OCH3), 45.6 (C-2), 42.8 (C-7), 42.2 (C-10), 41. 6 (C-8), 41. 5 (C-4), 40. 4 (3'-NMe2), 35. 4 (C-2"), 28.9 (C- 4'), 29.4,24.6,23.5,21.6,21.5,21.2,18.1,16.3,10.9,9.5 (10 x Me).

Example 15 6-0- (1- (3-quinolyl) propen-3-yl)]-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of example 14 (0.2 g) in acetonitrile (10 ml) were added palladium acetate (0. 017 g) and tri- (O-tolyl) phosphine (0.046 g). The mixture was degassed by bubbling N2 through it for 30 minutes and then were added 3- bromoquinoline (0.102 ml ;) and triethylamine (0.106 ml ;). The reaction mixture was sealed in a tube under nitrogen, heated at 50 ° C for 2 hrs and at 90 ° C for 3 days. The solvent was removed and the crude product was purified by chromatography EA- (n-hexane)-diethylamine (60: 30 : 2) to give the title compound (0.038 g).

Rf 0. 26, ethyl acetate- (n-hexane)-diethylamine (100: 100: 20) MS (M+H)+ 916. 8 'H NMR (CDCI3) 8 : 9.03,8.18,8.06,7.84,7.65,7.52 (6-O-CH2-CH=CH-Q), 6.68 (6-O-CH2-CH=CH-Q), 6.45 (8a-NH), 6.32 (6-O-CH2-CH=CH-Q), 3. 97 (6-O-CH2-CH=CH-Q).

'3C NMR (CDCI3) 5 : 149.6,147.5,132.5,129.8,129.1,129.0,128.0,126.7 (6-O-CH2-CH=CH-Q), 128.4 (6-O-CH2-CH=CH-Q), 129.8 (6-O-CH2-CH=CH-Q), 79. 6 (C-6), 64.2 (6-O-CH2-CH=CH-Q).

Example 16 2'-O-Acetyl-4"-O-lmidazolylcarbonyl-6-O"methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 11,12-Carbonate A solution of 2'-O-acetyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (300 mg) in dry DMF (3 ml) and dry THF (0.6 ml) was cooled to 0°C under an argon atmosphere. To the reaction solution was added 1,1'-carbonydiimidazole (480 mg) in one portion, followed by portionwise addition of NaH, 60% oil suspension (71 mg). The resulting mixture was stirred, under an argon atmosphere at 0°C for 1 h. and then quenched by water (30 ml) The solid was filtered and dried to give the title compound (304 mg) as a white solid.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 925. 9 Example 17 11-benzyl carbamoyl-4"-O- [3- [ (3-quinolyl)-benzylamino]-1-propion-1-yl 1]-6-O- methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A

A solution of example 11 (250 mg) and benzyl amine (1 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 24 hrs. The reaction mixture was then taken up into (30-50 ml) DCM and washed with water at pH=7 (5X50 ml). The organic layer was washed with brine (50 ml) and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was then removed in vacuo to give crude product which was then purified by chromatography using DCM: MeOH : NU, OH = 90: 3: 0,3 to give the title compounds (189 mg) as a white- yellow solid.

Using the same general method described above for obtaining compound 17 the following compounds have been prepared.

Example 18 11- (4-phenylbutyl) carbamoyl-4"-O- [3- (3-quinolyl)- (4-phenylbutyl)-propion- 1-yl]-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A Example 11 (250 mg) was reacted with 1ml of 4-phenylbutylamine to give title compound (98 mg).

MS (M+H) 1268.9 Example 19 11- (2-pyridylmethyl) carbamoyl-4"-O- [3- (3-quinolyl) (2-pyridylmethyl) propion-1-yl]]-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A Example 11 (250 mg) was reacted with 1ml of 2- (aminomethyl) pyridine to give the title compound(137 mg).

MS (M+H) 1187. 2 Example 20 11- (1-propen-3-yl) carbamoyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A A solution of 11,12-cyclocarbonate-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (150 mg) in allylamine (2 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 2h. The reaction mixture was then taken up into (50 ml) CH2CI2 and washed with water at pH=7 (5 x 50 ml). The organic layer was washed with brine (50 ml) and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was then removed in vacuo to give crude product which was then purified by column chromatography using CH2CI2 : MeOH : NH40H = 90 : 3: 0,3 to give of the title compound (104 mg) as a white-yellow solid.

MS (M+H) 846.7,'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 : 5,86 (CH2=CH-), 5.18 (CH2=CH- ), 5.00 (H-1"), 4.97 (H-13), 4.44 (H-1'), 4.21 (H-11), 4.03 (H-5"), 4.27 (H-3), 4.20

(H-8), 3.84 (CH2=CH-CH2-), 3.81 (H-10), 3.75 (H-5), 3.50 (H-5'), 3.33 (3"-OMe), 3.19 (H-2'), 3.28 (6-OMe), 3.02 (H-4"), 2.75 (H-2), 2.53 (H-3'), 2.44 (H-2"a), 2.33 (3'-NMe2), 2.02 (H-4), 1.78 (H-14a), 1.70 (H-4'a), 1.55 (H-7b), 1.53 (H-14b), 1.52 (H-2"b), 1.37 (6-Me), 1. 34 (8-Me), 1.29 (5"-Me), 1.28 (10-Me), 1. 24 (12- Me), 1,24 (3"-Me), 1.23 (5'-Me), 1.21 (2-Me), 1.21 (H-4'b), 1. 04 (4-Me), 0.87 (15- Me).

"C NMR (75 MHz, CDC13) 8 : 175.4,173.5,171.0,134.1,115.6,102.7,96.5, 79.6,78,6,78.5,77.7,77.7,77.6,75.3,72.4,70.3,68.6,65.7,65.2, 60.6,50.5, 49.1,45.7,43.2,42.8,42.6,41,4,39.4,34.7,28.6,22.4,21,8,21.1, 20.8,20.8, 17.8,16.5,14.8,13.8,10.9,10.8.

Using the same general method described above for obtaining compound 17 the following compounds have been prepared Example 21 11-Benzylcarbamoyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 11,12-cyclocarbonate-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (80 mg) was reacted with 1 ml of Benzylamine to give the title compound (73 mg).

MS (M+H) 896,9 Example 22 11-Isobutylcarbamoyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 11, 12- cyclocarbonate-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (80 mg) was reacted with 1 ml of Isobutylamine to give the title compound (69 mg).

MS (M+H) 862.9,'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) ã : 5.03 (11-OCONH), 5.01 (H-1"), 4.84 (H-11), 4.75 (H-13), 4.44 (H-1'), 4.31 (H-3), 4.07 (H-5"), 3.84 (H-8), 3.81 (H- 5), 3.50 (H-5'), 3.34 (3"-OMe), 3.30 (6-OMe), 3.18 (H-2'), 3. 06 ((CH3) 2CHCHa2-), 3.02 (H-4"), 2.98 ((CH3) 2CHCHb2-), 2.74 (H-2), 2.74 (H-10), 2.51 (H-3'), 2.43 (H- 2"a), 2.32 (3'-NMe2), 2.08 (H-4), 1.80 (H-14a), 1.79 ((CH3) 2CHCH2-), 1.72 (H- 4'a), 1.70 (H-7a), 1.63 (H-7b), 1.56 (H-2"b), 1.52 (H-14b), 1.38 (6-Me), 1.29 (8- Me), 1. 29 (5"-Me), 1.26 (H-4'b), 1.24 (2-Me), 1.24 (5'-Me), 1.23 (12-Me), 1.23 (3"-Me), 1. 18 (10-Me), 1. 18 (4-Me), 0.92 ((CH3) 2CHCH2-), 0.87 (H-15).

"C NMR (75MHz, CDC13) 8 : 176.1,174.3,156.2,103.6,97.3,80.5,79.3,79.3, 78.5,78.1,77.5,76.1,73.2,71.1,69.5,66.0,65.9,51.2,49.9,49.0, 46.6,44.1, 43.7,43.5,42.3,40.7,35.6,29.2,23.2,22.5,22.0,21.7,21.5,20.3, 18.6,15.6, 14.5,11.6 Example 23 11-(2-Pyridylmethyl) carbamoyl-6-O-methyl-carbamoyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 11,12-cyclocarbonate-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (80 mg) was reacted with 1 ml of 2- (Aminomethyl) pyridine to give the title compound (21 mg).

MS (M+H) 897,9 Example 24 <BR> <BR> 11- (2-Morpholinoethyl) carbamoyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 11,12-cyclocarbonate-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (80 mg) was reacted with 1ml of N- (2-aminoethyl) morpholine to give the title compound (61 mg).

MS (M+H) 920,1 Example 25 4"-O- (4- (3-quinolyl) butanoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 2'Acetyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (100 mg) in CH2C12 (1 mu) rand DMF (1 ml) was added 4- (3-quinolyl) butanoic acid (130 mg) and cooled to 0° C, under an argon atmosphere, via application an external ice -water bath. To the reaction solution was added EDC HCI (119 mg) in one portion followed by DMAP (15 mg). The resulting mixture was stirred for 24 h.

The reaction was quenched adding saturated sodium bicarbonate (20 ml), then dichloromethane (20 ml) was added and pH of resulting solution was adjusted to 9.5 with 2N NaOH. The aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (2x20 ml). The combined dichloromethane extracts were washed with brine (20 ml), dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo. The brown residue was dissolved in methanol (50 ml) and stirred over night, and then the

solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography (methanol-EtOAc=2 : 8) to obtain the title compound (28 mg) as a yellow solid.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH]'960 Example 26 4"-O-{3-[(2-morpholinoethyl)amino]-3-(3-quinolyl)propanoyl}- 8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A To a solution of example 4 (40 mg) in N- (2-ethylamino) morpholine (0.5 ml) which was stirred at room temperature for two days, CH2CL2 (30 ml) and H20 (30 ml) were added. The layers were separated, and the dichloromethane layer was washed with H20 (2X20 ml), brine (20 ml), dried over K2CO3 and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel by using MeOH-CH2CI2-NH40H=5-90-0. 5 to obtain the title compound (18 mg) as a yellow solid. Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 1060.

Example 27 4"-O- (3-guinolylcarbonyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 2'Acethyl-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (90 mg) in CH2CI2 (0.8 ml) and DMF (08 ml) was added 3-quinolinecarboxylic acid (95 mg, 0,55 mmol) and than was cooled to 0° C, under an argon atmosphere, via application an external ice-water bath. To the reaction solution was added EDC HCI (106 mg) in one portion followed by addition of DMAP (14 mgl). The resulting mixture was stirred for 24 h. The reaction was quenched adding saturated sodium bicarbonate (20 ml), then dichloromethane (20 ml) was added and pH of resulting solution was adjusted to 9.5 with 2N NaOH. The aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (2x20 ml). The combined dichloromethane extracts were washed with brine (20 ml), dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo. The brown residue was dissolved in

methanol (50 ml) and stirred over night, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel by using MeOH-CH2CI2- NH40H=5-95-0.5 to obtain the title compound (88 mg) as a white powder.

Ms (ES) m/z : [MH] + 918 Example 28 4"-O- (5- (4-pentenoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 4-pentenoic acid (0,90 ml) in CH2CI2 (4 ml) was added Et3N ( 0,259 ml), and the resulting solution was cooled to 0°C in an ice-water bath, under an argon atmosphere. Pivaloyl chloride (0,220 ml) was Then added and the resulting mixture was stirred for 30 min. pyridine (0,3 ml), 2'Acetyl-6-O- methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (300 mg) and DMAP (13 mg) were added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 4 hr, during which time the reaction mixture was allowed to worm to ambient temperature. At that time TLC analysis (MeOH-CH2CI2-NH40H=9 : 90: 0. 5) of the reaction mixture revealed presence of the starting macrolide. Additional amount of the mixed anhydride of 4-pentenoic acid (0,63 ml) in CH2CI2 (1 ml), Et3N (0,086 ml) and pivaloyl chloride (0,073 ml) was prepared and added to the reaction mixture at 0°C, and stirred for additional 4 h.. The reaction was quenched addition saturated NaHC03 (20 ml), then to the reaction mixture was added CH2Cl2 (30 ml), separated layers and aqueous layer was extracted with CH2C12 (2x 10 mi). The combined CH2C12 extracts were washed with brine (20 ml) dried over K2CO3 and concentrated in vacuo.

The white solid residue was dissolved in methanol (70 ml) and stirred over night, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo, The residue was purified by silica gel by using MeOH-CH2CI2-NH40H=5-95-0. 5 to obtain the title. compound (263 mg) as a white powder.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 845 Example 29 <BR> <BR> 4"-O- (5- (3-quinolyl)-4-pentenoyl)-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromy cin A

A solution of 4"0- (3-pentenoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (200 mg, 0,24 mmol, in 3 mi of dry DMF was deoxygenated with argon for 30 minutes at room temperature. To the reaction solution 3-bromquinoline (0,096 ml, 0,71 mmol), triethylamine (0,164 ml, 1,20 mmol), Pd (OAc) 2 (11 mg, 0,05 mmol) and tri-o-tolyl-phosphine (30 mg, 0,10 mmol) were added. The mixture then was heated at 80°C for 18 h. To the reaction mixture was added H20 (20 ml) and extracted with EtOAc (3X20 ml). The organic layer was extracted with brine (50 ml), dried over K2CO3 and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via column chromatography on silica gel by using EtOAc : MeOH=7 : 3. to afford the title compound (60 mg), as a white solid.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 972 Example 30 4"-O- (5- (3-quinolyl)-3-pentenoyl)-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromy cin A To a solution of 6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (50 mg) in toluene (1,5 ml) and DMF (0,02 ml) was added 4- (3-quinolyl) 3-butenoic acid (42 mg) and than was cooled to 0° C, under an argon atmosphere, via application an external ice-water bath. To the reaction mixture was added DPTC (42 mg) in one portion followed by addition of DMAP (7 mgl). The resulting mixture was stirred for 24 h. The reaction was quenched via addition saturated NaHC03 (20 ml), than to the reaction mixture was added CH2CI2 (10 ml), separated layers and aqueous layer was extracted with CH2C12 (2x 10 ml). The combined CH2C12 extracts were washed with brine (20 ml) dried over K2CO3 and concentrated in vacuo. The brown residue was dissolved in methanol (30 ml) and stirred over night, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel by using EtOAc: MeOH=7 : 3 to obtain the title compound (27 mg) as a white powder. MS (ES) m/z: [MH] + 972.

Example 31 4"-O- (4- (3-guinolyl)-3-butenoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromyc in A To a solution of (3-quinoline)-3-butenoic acid (132 g) in CH2CI2 (2 ml) and DMF (0.1 ml) was added Et3N (0,088 ml), and the resulting solution was cooled to 0°C in an ice-water bath, under an argon atmosphere. Pivaloyl chloride (0,076 ml) was then added and the resulting mixture was stirred for 30 min. To the reaction mixture was added pyridine (0,3 mi) and then 6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A (70 mg) and then DMAP (10 mg). The resulting mixture was stirred for 24 hr, during which time the reaction mixture was allowed to worm to ambient temperature. The reaction was quenched via addition saturated NaHC03 (20 ml), than to the reaction mixture was added CH2C12 (30 ml), separated layers and aqueous layer was extracted with CH2C12 (2x 20 ml). The combined CH2C12 extracts were washed with brine (20 ml) dried over K2CO3 and concentrated in vacuo. The brown residue was dissolved in methanol (30 ml) and stirred over night, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel by using EtOAc: MeOH=7: 3 to obtain the title compound (38 mg) as a white solid.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 958 Example 32 4"-O-(5-(3-quinolyl)-pentanoyl)-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoery thromycin A To a solution of 5- (3-quinoline)-pentanoic acid (0.141 g) in CH2CI2 (2 ml) was added Et3N (0,088 ml), and the resulting solution was cooled to 0°C in an ice- water bath, under an argon atmosphere. Pivaloyl chloride (0,076 ml) was then added and the resulting mixture was stirred for 30 min. To the reaction mixture was added pyridine (0,2 ml) and than 6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (100 mg) and than DMAP (14 mg). The resulting mixture was stirred for 24 hr, during which time the reaction mixture was allowed to worm to ambient temperature. At that time TLC analysis (MeOH-CH2CI2-NH40H=9 : 90: 0.5) of the

reaction mixture revealed absence of the starting macrolide. The reaction was quenched via addition saturated NaHC03 (20 ml), than to the reaction mixture was added CH2CI2 (30 ml), separated layers and aqueous layer was extracted with CH2CI2 (2x 30 ml). The combined CH2C12 extracts were washed with brine (20 ml) dried over K2CO3 and concentrated in vacuo. The brown residue was dissolved in methanol (30 ml) and stirred over night, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified on silica gel by using EtOAc: MeOH=7 : 3 to obtain the title compound (22 mg) as a white solid.

Ms (ES) m/z : [MH] + 974.

Example 32 b 4"-O-(3-(2, 3-dihydro-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl) propanoyl)-6-O-methyl-8a-aza- 8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 3- (2, 3-dihydro-1, 3-benzothiazol-2-yl) propanoic acid (30 mg,) in CH2Cl2 (1 ml) was added Et3N (0,023 ml), and the resulting solution was cooled to 0°C in an ice-water bath, under an argon atmosphere. To the reaction solution was added pivaloyl chloride (0,02 ml, 016 mmol) and the resulting mixture was stirred for 30 min. To the reaction mixture was added pyridine (0,05 ml) and then 6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (30 mg). The resulting mixture was stirred for 24 hr, during which time the reaction mixture was allowed to worm to ambient temperature. The reaction was quenched via addition saturated NaHC03 (20 ml), than to the reaction mixture was added CH2C12 (20 ml), separated layers and aqueous layer was extracted with CH2C12 (2x 10 ml). The combined CH2C12 extracts were washed with brine (20 ml) dried over K2CO3 and concentrated in vacuo. The brown residue was dissolved in methanol (30 ml) and stirred over night, and then the solvent was concentrated in vacuo, The residue was purified on silica gel by using EtOAc: MeOH=7: 3 to obtain the title compound (4 mg) as a brown solid. Ms (ES) m/z : [MH] + 952.

Example 33 4"-O-f3- [4- (3-guinolyl) butoxy] propanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycinA To a solution of 4"-O-propenoyl 6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycinA (100 mg) in CH3CN (2.0 ml) was added 4- (3-quinoliy)-1-butanol (70 mg) and DBU (0.1 ml). This mixture was heated at 80°C for 24 h. At that time additional amount of DBU (0,1 ml) was added and stirred for additional 24 h. The solvent was evaporated and the residue purified on an SPE-column (2. 0 Si02, Step gradi-t SPE starting with EtOAc and going to 30% MEOH in EtOAc. By this system excess of quinolyne reagents was removed. The macrolide was purified on silica gel by using EtOAc: MeOH=7 : 3 to obtain the title compound (22 mg) as a white solid. Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 1002.

Example 34 2'-O-Acetyl-4"-O- (1 H-1-imidazolylcarbonyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 11,12-Carbonate A solution of 2'-O-acetyl-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (300 mg) in dry DMF (3 ml) and dry THF (0.6 ml) was cooled to 0°C in an ice-water bath, under an argon atmosphere. To the reaction solution was added 1,1'- carbonylimidazole (480 mg) in one portion, followed by portionwise addition of NaH, 60% oil suspension (71 mg). The resulting mixture was stirred, under an argon atmosphere at 0°C for 1 h. At that time TLC analysis of the reaction mixture revealed complete conversion of the starting material to a new product.

The reaction was quenched by the dropwise addition of cold water (30 ml) during which compound precipitate. The precipitated solid was filtered and dried to give the title compound (304 mg) as a white solid.

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 925. 9 Example 35 4"-O-N-(2pyridylmethyl) carbamoyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 11,12-Carbonate Example 36 4", 11-Bis (N-(2pyridylmethyl) carbamate)-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A

A solution of 2'-O-acetyl-4"-O-lmidazolcarbonyl-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 11,12-Carbonate (200 mg) in (2-aminomethyl) pyridine (1.0 mi). The resulting mixture was stirred atmosphere at room temperature for 3 h.

At that time TLC indicated complete conversion of the starting material to a new product (s). to the reaction mixture was added CH2CL2 (30 ml) and H20 (30 ml).

The layers were separated, and the dichloromethane layer was washed with H20 (2X20 ml), brine (20 ml), brine (20 ml) dried over K2CO3 and concentrated in vacuo.

To the residue was added MEOH (20 mi) and stirred over night. The solvent was evaporated, and the crude product was purified via flash chromatography on silica gel by using MeOH-CH2CI2-NH40H=5-90-0. 5. Work up of the first chromatography fraction afforded example 35 (70 mg).

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH] + 924. 0 Continuing elution of the chromatography column afforded example 36 (30 mg).

Ms (ES) m/z: [MH]+ 1032. 3 Example 37 4"-O- 3-(1, 2,3, 4-tetrahydro-3-quinolyl)-ethyl-carbonyl]-6-O-methyl-8a-aza- 8a-homo-erythromycin A Example 38 4"-O- 3- (3-quinolyl)-ethylcarbonyl]-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homo- erythromycin A To a solution of Example 2 in EtOH (8 ml) AcOH-AcONa buffer (pH 5) was added dropwise to a pH value of 6.5 value. Then, catalyst Pd/C 10 % (0.025 g) was added and the mixture was stirred under hydrogen pressure of 1.4 x 105 Pa for 4 hrs. The catalyst was filtered off, and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. To the obtained residue H2O (10 ml) and CH2CI2 (5 ml) were added and extraction at pH 6 was done. The organic extract was dried and evaporated to give a mixture of the two title compounds (0.054 g).

Purification by column chromatography (silica; CH2Cl2-MeOH-NH4OH 90 : 9: 0.5) afforded example 37 [Rf = 0.81, MS (M+H) 950] and example 38 [Rf = 069, MS (M+H) 946, 1, TLC: CH2C12-MeOH-NH4OH 90: 9: 1.5, Example 39

4"-0- (4-butenylcarbonyl)- 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A To a solution of 4-pentenoic acid (2. 5 ml) in (20 ml) was added Et3N (0.7 ml, 5 eqv) and resulting mixture was cooled to 0 °C under argon atmosphere. Pivaloyl chloride (0. 6 ml) was added into the solution, stirred for further 30 min and then pyridine (0.8 ml) and DMP (0.08 g) were added to the reaction mixture. After that, 2'-O-acetyl-6-OH-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (0.5 g) was added dropwise within 30 min and then pyridine (10 ml). Water (30 mi) was added to the mixture and extracted at pH 4 and 9. The organic extract at pH 4 gave after evaporation of solvent an oily residue (2.84 g), which was dissolved in MeOH (110 ml), stirred for 30 hrs. Then, methanol was removed under reduced pressure, yielding oily residue (2.71 g). The crude product was purified by column chromatography (CH2CI2-MeOH-NH4OH =90 : 90: G. 5) to give the title compound (0.125 g).

Ms (ES) m/z : [MH]'845 Example 40 4"-O- [3- (3-quinolyl)-4-butenylcarbonyl)-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A Example 39 (0.125 g) was dissolved in DMF (1.5 ml), then palladium (II) acetate (2.4 mg) and tri-o-tolylphosphine (6.4 mg) was added and the mixture stirred under argon for 20 min. In the solution 3-bromoquinoline (0.022 ml) and TEA (0.029 ml) were added, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80 ° C for 38 hrs.

Extraction with EtOAc and evaporation yielded crude product (0.156 g). which after purification by column chromatography with EtOAc-n-C6H12- DEA=100: 100 : 20, afforded the title compound. MS (M+H) 958.

Example 41 11-O- [3-(3-quinolyl)-2-propenyl]-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A.

Intermediate 3. (0.9 g) and cis-3- (3-quinolyl) propenyl t-butyl carbonate (0.630 g) were charged to a 50 ml rotary evaporator flask. Toluene (18 ml) was charged to dissolve the solids. The solvent was removed under vacuum, the residue dissolved again in toluene (18 ml) and solvent removed under vacuum. The residue was dissolved in toluene (25 ml) and approximately 7 ml of solvent was removed under vacuum. The residual solution was transferred to a three-neck

round-bottom flask and deoxygenated with argon. Pd2 (dba) 3 (40 mg) and dppb (37 mg,) were charged into solution and heated at 80 ° C for 1 hour. The solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator, the residue was dissolved in methanol in (200 mL) o, acifidied vith formic acid to pH 5 and left overnight The mixture was evaporated to dryness and separated by column chromatography with CHC13- MeOH-conc. ammonia (6: 1: 0.1) to provide the title compound (0.35 g) MS (M+H) 917.

Example 42 11-O- [3- (3-quinolyl)-2-propenyl]-4"-O- (4-nitrophenylacetyl)-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A To a solution of 4-nitrophenylacetic acid (0.35 g) in CH2C12 (15 ml) was added Et3N (0.26 ml) and resulting mixture was cooled to 0 °C under argon atmosphere. Pivaloyl chloride (0.23 ml) was added to the solution, stirred for further 30 min and then pyridine (4. 0 ml) was added to the reaction mixture. 2'- O-acetyl-11-O- [3-(3-quinolyl)-2-propenyl :-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A prepared with acetic anhydride from Example 41 (0. 35 g,) in DCM (5 ml) was added dropwise within 15 min. The reaction mixture was stirred for 20 hrs. under argon. Water (30 ml) was added to the mixture and extracted at pH 4 and 9.

The organic extract at pH 4 gave after evaporation of solvent an oily residue.

(0.97 g), which was dissolved in 100 mL of methanol 12 hours at room temperature. Evaporation of reaction mixture yielded slurry residue. Purification by column chromatography (CH2CI2-MeOH-NH40H =90: 9: 1.5) gave the title compound. (0.14 g) MS (M+H) 1080.

Example 43 11-O- [3- (3-quinolyl)-2-propenyl]-4"-oxo-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A Example 41 was dissolved in MeOH, (20ml) and 0.042 mL of aceticanhydride f the reaction mixture was stirred for 12 hr at room temperature then it was was dissolved in DCM (8 ml), then NaHC03 (0.30 g) and pyridine (0.06 ml) were

added. To the reaction mixture Dess-Martin periodinane reagent (0.840 g) was added portionwise during 5 hrs and the mixture stirred for 20 hrs. Extraction with DCM gave 11-0- [3- 3-(3-quinolyl)-2-propenyl :-2'-acetyl-4"-oxo-8a--aza-8a- homoerythromycin A (0.25 g), which after deprotection in MeOH (50 mL) at rt overnight gave (0.220 g) of title compound. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (CH2CI2-MeOH-NH40H =90: 9: 1.5) to give the title compound. (0.075 g) MS (M+H) 915.

Example 44 11-O-[3-(3-quinolyl)-2-propenyl]-4"-O-propenoyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A Example 41 was dissolved in MeOH (20 mL)- (0.042 mL of acetic anhydride in of, 12 hr at r. t.). then was treated with 3-chloropropionyl chloride (0. 070 mL) in dry toluene (5 mL), TEA (0.26mL) in one portion. The reaction mixture was stirred for 0.5 hrs. The reaction was quenched via addition 15 mL of saturated sodium bicarbonate. The layers were separated and aqueous layer was extracted with toluene (10 mL). The combined toluene extracts were washed with brine (20 mL), dried over potassium carbonate and concentrated in vacuo.

The crude product, from the above step was deprotected by dissolving in MeOH (60 mL). and stirring at r. t. for 24 hrs. The solvent was evaporated to give the title compound (0.25 g). MS (M+H) 971.

Example 44 6-O-ethyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.76 g of mixture of 6-0-ethylerythromycin 9 (E)- and 9 (Z)-oximes and 5.69 g of NaHC03 were suspended in 230 ml of mixture of acetone : water = 1 : 1 and cooled down to 0 °C. The solution of 6.46 g of p-toluenesulphonyl chloride in 55 ml of acetone was added dropwise in 30 minutes period and the suspension was stirred for 15 hours allowing to warm up to room temperature. Acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, 100 ml of DCM and 100 ml of water were added, pH was set to 9.5 with 2M NaOH, organic layer was washed with brine, dried over K2CO3 and evaporated. The residue was purified on silicagel column in system EA: n-hexane: diethylamine = 600: 300: 20 yielding the title compound (0.835 g).

MS (ES+) 777.5 [MH]' Example 45 2'-O-acetyl-6-O-ethyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A example 44 (735 mg) was dissloved in 20 mi of DCM at room temperature. NaHC03 (358 mg) and acetic anhydride (98. 4 lli) were added and the suspension was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. 20 mi of saturated solution of NaHCO3 was added, water layer was washed with DCM (2 x 10 ml), organic layer was washed with 20 ml of brine, dried over K2CO3 and evaporated under reduced pressure yielding the title compound (661 mg).

MS (ES+) 819.7 [MH] + Example 46 2'-O-acetyl-4"-O- (4-nitrophenyl) acetyl-6-0-ethyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A (4-nitrophenyl) acetic acid (110 mg) and triethylamine (85.5 L) were dissolved in 5 mL of DCM, cooled to 0 °C in N2, pivaloyl chloride (75.2 µL) were added and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. After that pyridine (108 µL) were added followed by addition of example 45 (100 mg) in DCM (5 mL) and DMAP (15 mg). Reaction mixture was stirred for 20 hours at room temperature and additional amounts of 4-nitrophenyl acetic acid (110 mg), TEA (85.5 pL) and pivaloyl chloride (75.2 µL) were added. After 20 hours of stirring, reaction was quenched by addition of saturated NaHCO3, water layer was washed with DCM, organic layer was washed with brine, dried over K2CO3 and evaporated yielding the title compound (128 mg).

MS (ES+) 982.6 [MH]' Example 47 4"-0 (4-nitrophenyl) acetyl-6-O-ethyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A Example 46 (148 mg) was dissolved in MeOH (10. mL) and stirred for 2 days.

The reaction mixture was after evaporation of solvent purified on silicagel column in system DCM : methanol : aq. amonia = 90 : 9: 0.5 yielding the title compound (55 mg). MS (ES+) 940.4 [MH] + Example 48 2'-O-acetyl-4"-O- (3-quinolyl) propenoyl-6-O-ethyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A Example 45 (100 mg) and 3- (3-quinolyl) propenoyl acid (146 mg) were dissolved in 6 mL of mixture DCM: DMF = 1 : 1 and cooled to 0 °C in N2. After that 1-ethyl- 3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (140.4 mg) and 15 mg of dimethylaminopyridine (15 mg) were added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 15 hours at room temperature. Additional 1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (70 mg) was added and stirred for 4 hours. The reaction was quenched by addition of saturated NaHCO3, organic layer was washed with brine and evaporated-yielding the title compound (119 mg).

MS (ES+) 1000.6 [MH] + Example 49 4"-0- (3-quinolyl) propenoyl-6-O-ethyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 119 mg of example 48 was dissolved in MeOH (5 mL) and stirred for 2 days.

The reaction mixture was purified on silicagel column in system dichloromethane : methanol : aq. amonia = 90 : 9: 0.5 yielding the title compound (44 mg).

MS (ES+) 958.5 [MH] + Example 50 6-O-allyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A

Intermediate 2 (4.25 g) and NaHC03 (6.34 g) were suspended in 250 ml of mixture of acetone: water = 1 : 1 and cooled down to 0 °C. The solution of of p- toluenesulphonyl chloride (7.19 g) in 55 ml of acetone was added dropwise in 30 minutes period and the suspension was stirred for 15 hours allowing to warm up to room temperature. Acetone was evaporated under reduced pressure, 100 ml of DCM and 100 ml of water were added, pH was set to 9.5 with 2M NaOH, organic layer was washed with brine, dried over K2CO3 and evaporated. The residue was purified on silicagel column in system ethyl-acetate : n-hexane : diethylamine = 600: 300: 20 yielding the title compound (2.36 g).

MS (ES+) 789.4 [MH] + Example 51 6-O-propyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A Example 50 (2.3 g) was dissolved in MeOH (40 mL) at pH 5-5.5,0.82 g of 10 % Pd/C was added and the mixture was hydrogenated at 20 bar pressure for 20 hours. Methanol was evaporated, DCM (50 mi) and water (50 ml) were added, pH was set to 9.5 using 1 M NaOH, water layer was washed with 10 ml of DCM, organic layer was washed with 50 ml of brine, dried over K2CO3 and evaporated under reduced pressure yielding the title compound (1.84 g).

MS (ES+) 792.0 [MH] + Example 52 2'-O-acetyl-6-O-propyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A Example 51 (390 mg) was dissloved in 20 ml of dichloromethane at room temperature. NaHCO3 and acetic anhydride were added and the suspension was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. 20 ml of saturated solution of NaHCO3 was added, water layer was washed with dichloromethane (2 x 10 ml), organic layer was washed with 20 ml of brine, dried over K2CO3 and evaporated under reduced pressure yielding the title compound (372 mg).

MS (ES+) 833.4 [MH] + Example 53 2'-O-acety1-4"-O-(p-n itrophenyl) acetyl-6-O-propyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A

(4-nitrophenyl) acetic acid (100 mg) and triethylamine (84 pL) were dissolved in 5 mL of dichloromethane, cooled to 0 °C in N2, pivaloyl chloride (74 pL) were added and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. After that pyridine (106 pL) were added followed by addition of example 52 (100 mg) in dichloromethane (5 mL) and dimethyl aminopyridine (15 mg). Reaction mixture was stirred for 20 hours at room temperature and additional amounts of 4-nitrophenyl acetic acid (100 mg), TEA (84 L) and pivaloyl chloride (74 pL) were added. After 20 hours of stirring, reaction was quenched by addition of saturated NaHCO3, water layer was washed with dichloromethane, organic layer was washed with brine, dried over K2CO3 and evaporated yielding the title compound (118 mg).

MS (ES+) 996. 6 [MH] + Example 54 4"-0- (p-nitrophenyl) acetyl-6-O-propyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (PL 14977) Example 53 (118 mg) was dissolved in MeOH (... mL) and stirred for 2 days.

The reaction mixture was purified on silicagel column in system dichloromethane : methanol : aq. amonia = 90: 9: 0.5 yielding the title compound (41 mg). MS (ES+) 954.6 [MH] + Example 55 2'-O-acetyl-4"-O- (3-quinolyl) acriloyl-6-O-propyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A Example 52 (96 mg) and 3- (3-quinolyl) acriloyl acid (137 mg) were dissolved in 6 mL of mixture dichloromethane : N, N,-dimethylformamide = 1: 1 and cooled to 0 °C in N2. After that 1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (133 mg) and 15 mg of dimethylaminopyridine (15 mg) were added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 15 hours at room temperature. Additional 1-ethyl-3- (3- dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (66 mg) was added and stirred for 4 hours.

The reaction was quenched by addition of saturated NaHCO3, organic layer was washed with brine and evaporated yielding the title compound (102 mg).

MS (ES+) 1014.6 [MH] + Example 56 4"-O- (3-quinolyl) acriloyl-6-O-propyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A

Example 55 (102 mg) was dissolved in MeOH (10. mL) and stirred for 2 days.

The reaction mixture was purified on silicagel column in system dichloromethane : methanol : aq. amonia = 90: 9: 0.5 yielding the title compound (21 mg).

MS (ES+) 972. 5 [MH] + Example 57 4"-0- (3-Quinolyl) propenoyl-6-O-allyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (PL 8307 To a solution of Example 14 (120 mg) in CH2CI2 (10 ml), acetic anhydride (0.018 ml) and sodium hydrogencarbonate (64 mg) were added and then stirred for 3 hours at r. t. After reaction was completed H20 (10 ml) was added. The layers were separated, water layer extracted with CH2C12 (2x10 ml).

Combined organic layers were washed with saturated aqueous solution of NaCI (3x10 ml), dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated at reduced pressure yielding 2'-O-acetyl-6-0-allyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin (100 mg) which was dissoved in CH2Cl2 (1 ml) and DMF (1. 3 ml). To this solution 3- (3- quinolyl) acrilic acid (120 mg) was added and then stirred at 0°C. After 30 minutes EDCxHCI (116 mg), DMAP (15 mg) weres added and the reaction mixture was stirred at r. t. to complete conversion (about 24 hours). After reaction was completed CH2C12 (10 ml), H20 (5 ml) whereupon it was extracted at pH 10. Layers were separated, water layer extracted with CH2C12 (2x10 ml).

Combined organic layers were washed with saturated aqueous solution of NaCI (3x10 ml), dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated at reduced pressure to obtain 2'-O-acetyl-4"-O- (3-quinolyl) acriloyl-6-0-propyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin (90 mg). this compound was stirred in MeOH (50 mi) at r. t. for 24 hours, MeOH was evaporated at reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel column using system CH2CI2-MeOH- NH3=90: 4: 0.4., to obtain the title compound (24 mg).

Rf 0.312, ethylacetate- (n-hexane)-diethylamine 100 : 100: 20, MS (M+H) 970.7 Example 58

4"-0- (3-Quinolyl) propenoyl-6-0- (1- (3-quinolyl) propen-3-yl)]-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A To a solution of example 15 (100 mg) in CH2CI2 (10 ml), acetic anhydride (0.013 ml) and sodium hydrogencarbonate (46 mg) were added and then stirred for 3 hours at r. t. After reaction was completed H20 (10 ml) was added. The layers were separated, water layer extracted with CH2CI2 (2x10 ml). Combined organic layers were washed with saturated aqueous solution of NaCI (3x10 ml), dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated at reduced pressure yielding 2'-0- acetyl-6-0- [3- (3-quinolyl) allyl]-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (80 mg) which was dissolved in CH2CI2 (1 ml) and DMF (1. 3 ml). To this solution 3- (3- quinolyl) acrylic acid (83 mg) was added and then stirred at 0°C. After 30 minutes EDCxHCI (80 mg), DMAP (10 mg) were added and the reaction mixture was stirred at r. t. to complete conversion (about 24 hours). After reaction was completed CH2C12 (10 ml), H20 (5 ml) where upon it was extracted at pH 10.

Layers were separated, water layer extracted with CH2CI2 (2x10 ml). Combined organic layers were washed with saturated aqueous solution of NaCI (3x10 ml), dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated at reduced pressure to obtain an Obtained oily product (90 mg) was stirred in MeOH (50 ml) at r. t. for 24 hours to remove 2'-protection, MeOH was evaporated at reduced pressure. By chromatography on silica gel column using system CH2CI2-MeOH- NH3=90: 4: 0.4 the title compound (18 mg) was obtained.

Rf 0.429, ethylacetate- (n-hexane)-diethylamine 100: 100: 20, MS (M+H) 1097.8 Example 59 4"-O-(Propenoyl)-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 2'-OAc 6-OH-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (290 mg) was dissolved in 10 ml toluene and the solvent was evaporated. This was performed 2 times. After that the residue was again dissolved in 15 ml toluene and stirred under argon. To this solution was added 470 ul TEA and 101 pl 3 chloropropionyl-chloride (in three portions in a period of 10 minutes). After 15 h 235 pI TEA and 50 ul of 3

chloro-propionylchloride were added. 3 h later 170 pI TEA and 25 pl of 3 chloro- propionylchloride were added. After that 30moi of sat. NaHC03 was added.

Extraction with 3x20 ml of toluene. Drying and evaporation of the solvent yielded 2'-OAc-4"0-(Propenoyl)-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (261 mg) which was dissolved in 30 ml of MeOH and stirred over night to yield after evaporation of the solvent the title compound (300mg).

MS (ES+) 803. 1 Example 60 4"-O- 3-(N-methyl-N-(4-nitrophenyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A To a solution of Example 59 (5 mg) in acetonitrile 200 pl, 5 eq of N-methyl-N- (4- nitrophenyl) amine-hydrochloride were added, followed by the addition of 10 pl of DIPEA. This mixture was heated at 70°C for 12-48 hours and cooled to room temperature and the scavanger resin [30 mg] (isocyanate polymer bound) and CH2Cl2 (600 pI) were added. After 2 days the resin is filtered off, washed with methanol (300 µl), CH2Cl2 (300 pI) and again with methanol (300 pl). The solvent was evaporated giving the title compound (4. 3 mg).

MS (ES+) 983.4.

Example 61 4"-O- 3- (N-methyl-N- [2- (2-pyridylethyl] aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.5 mg; MS 939 Example 62 4"-0- {3- (6, 7-dimethoxy-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-2-isoquinoyl)propanoyl}-8a-aza- 8a-homoerythromycin A 4.2 mg; MS 996.

Example 63 <BR> <BR> <BR> 4"-O- {3-(1 R, 2S)-3-methoxy-1-phenylpropan-1-ol) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza- 8a-homoerythromycin A 3.0 mg; MS 984.

Example 64 4-O-{3-(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 2.9 mg; MS 970.

Example 65 4"-0-3-(N-ethyl-N-(4-pyridylmethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a - homoerythromycin A 3.5 mg; MS 939.

Example 66 4"-O- 3-[4-(trifluoromethyoxy)phenyl]benzyl-aminopropanoyl}-8a-aa- 8a- homoerythromycin A 3.1 mg; MS 994.

Example 67 4"-O- 3-[3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]benzyl-aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza- 8a- homoerythromycin A 3.2 mg; MS 994.

Example 68 4"-O-{3-[1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-ethanone]aminopropanoyl}-8a-a za-8a- homoerythromycin A 2. 5 mg; MS 968.

Example 69 4"-O-3-(4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-ho mo- erythromycin A 2.4 mg; MS 970.

Example 70 4"-O-3-[(2S)-)-3-phenylpropan-1-ol)-2yl]aminopropanoyl}8a-az a-8a- homoerythromycin A 2.6 mg; MS 954.

Example 71 4"-O- {3- (4-methoxybenzyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin<BR> A 3.1 mg; MS 940.

Example 72 4"-O- {3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.3 mg; MS 984.

Example 73 4"-O-{3-4-pyridylethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythro mycin A 3.9 mg; MS 911.

Example 74 4"-O- {3-pyridylethyl-3-aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.6 mg; MS 911.

Example 75 4"-O- 3-(4-methoxyphenethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.4 mg; MS 954.

Example 76 4"-O-{3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.4 mg; MS 970.

Example 77 4"-O- {3- (4-nitrophenethyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin<BR> A 4.2 mg; MS 969.

Example 78

4"-O- {3- (2, 4-dimethoxybenzyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.8 mg; MS 970.

Example 79 4"-O-{3-92-methoxybenzyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoeryth romycin A3. 6 mg ; MS 940.

Example 80 4"-O-3-(1,3-benzodioxazol-5-yl-methyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza -8a- homoerythromycin A 2.9 mg; MS 954.

Example 81 4"-O- 3-(3, 4,5-trimethoxybenzyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A (3.3 mg) ; MS 1000.

Example 82 4"-O- {3-(2-ethoxybenzyl)minopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3. 9 mg ; MS 954.

Example 83 4"-O-3(1S)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8 a- homoerythromycin A 3.6 mg; MS 954.

Example 84 4"-O-3(1R)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylamine-2-aminopropanoyl}8a -aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.5 mg; MS 954.

Example 85 4"-O-3-(1S)-1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a - homoerythromycin A 4.2 mg; MS 969.

Example 86 4"-O- {3-(1 R)-1-(4-nitrophenyl) ethyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 4.3 mg; MS 969.

Example 87 4"-O- 3-(4-nitrobenzyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 4.5 mg; MS 955.

Example 88 4"-O-{3-(N-methyl-N-(4-nitrophenyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a - homoerythromycin A 4.3 mg; MS 983.

Example 89 4"-O-{3-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoeryth romycin A 4.2 mg; MS 911.

Example 90 4"-O- 3- (2-pyridyl) ethyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 4. 1 mg; MS 925.

Example 91 4"-O-3-(tetrahydro-2-furanon3-yl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 2.2 mg; MS 905.

Example 92 4"-O- {3-cyclopropyl-aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.5 mg; MS 860. <BR> <BR> <P>Example 93<BR> 4"-0- 3- [6- (-2, 2-dimethyl-1, 3-dioxepan-5-ol)- aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A

3. 0 mg; MS 964.

Example 94 4"-O- {4-[4_(3-pyridyl)-1H-1-imidazolyl]butyl-(3-aminopropanoyl)}- 8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.5 mg; MS 1019.

Example 95 4"-O- {3-(L-Phenylalaninyl) propanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.8 mg; MS 968.

Example 96 4"- {3- (L-Asparaginyl) propanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 2.2 mg; MS 936.

The above examples (Examples 61 to 96) were obtained starting from Example 59 (5mg) and and 5 equivalents of amine, following the same procedure described for Example 60.

The amount of reagents (i. e. amine compound) for Exs 61 to 96 are listed in Table 1.

Table 1 Example Amine amine no. (mg) EX 61 N'N, CH3 4, 2 a Ex 62 M I \ Yen Cl 0'r Ex 63 7 c CH, 5,6 NH; Ex 64 H, C' NH, 5,2 0 H,C'0 1 Ex 65 N C H 3 4,2 o Ex 66 ßNH2 5,9 1 0 F ° F E x 6 7 F F C 5,9 0 NH, F I Ex 68 5, 1 Nu2 rrzo Ex69 5, 2 HO- Ex 70 vox 4,7 ou Ex 7 1 H3Cs vNH2 4,3 HCwO/ 5, 6 Ex 72 Zizi Ex 73 N H 2 3, 4 N Ex74 I N H 2 3, 4 CON Ex75 4, 7 H3c, Cl 5, 2 Et 76 ° H3c. o w Ex 77 H, 5', % Ex 7 a'+NH 5,2 Me0 OMe Ex 79 CtCH, * 43 CCNH2 Ex 80 H2N<CO) 4, 7 0 Ex 81 H NH, 6, 1 H 2C H. cl Ex82', _,,-CH3 4, 7 / Ex 84 O o), H i I Ex 84 ,. N 4, 7 , /_ I Ex 85 ! 5,2 r". o, N , Ex 86 5, 2 O, N Ex 87/\NH2 4,7 0. N H Ex 88 N 5,6 ozN I/ Ex 89 H 3,4 Nah H Ex 90 3,8 N nah H Ex 91/' 3, 2 C_

Ex 92 N 1,8 OH Ex 93 xc CH 5, 0 zu H H Ex 94 6, 7 Ex 95 Xi) 5, 1 H2rJ~OH i I 0 0 Ex 96 0 NH2 4,1 OH Hazy 0 1 Example 97 4", 11-O-(Dipropenoyl)-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 6-OH-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A (2.0 g) was dissolved in 100 ml of CH2CI2 at room temperature. To this solution 900 mg of NaHCO3 and 280 @@ of Ac2O were added. Stirring over night. To this mixture 100 ml of brine and 50 ml of water were added. The organic layer was separated, washed with 50 ml brine, dried and evaporated to yield 2'-OAc-4", 11-O- (Dipropenoyl) 8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A (2.1 g) 300 mg of this was dissolved in 10 ml toluene and the solvent was evaporated. This was performed 2 times. After that the residue was again dissolved in 15 ml toluene and stirred under argon. To this solution was added 470 ul TEA and 101 pl 3 chloropropionyl-chloride (in three portions in a period of 10 minutes). After 30min 470 pI TEA and 101 ul 3 chloropropionyl- chloride (in three portions in a period of 10 minutes). were added. 3 h later 170 pl TEA and 25 ul of 3 chloro-propionylchloride were added. After that 30ml of sat.

NaHCO3 was added. Extraction with 3x20 ml toluene. Drying and evaporation of the solvent yielded 301 mg of the product.

This residue was dissolved in 30 ml of MeOH and stirred over night to yield after evaporation of the solvent the title compound (280 mg).

MS (ES+) 803.1

Example 98 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(N-methyl-N-(4-nitrophenyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A To a solution of example 97 (5 mg) in 200 µl of acetonitrile 10 eq of the amine N-methyl-N- (4-nitrophenyl) amine-hydrochloride were added, followed by the addition of 10 pi of DIPEA. This mixture was heated at 70°C for 48 hours and cooled to room temperature and the scavanger resin [30 mg] (isocyanate polymer bound) and CH2Cl2 (600 µl) were added. After 2 days the resin is filtered off, washed with methanol (300 µl ), CH2Cl2 (300 ul) and again with methanol (300 µl ). The solvent was evaporated giving the title compound (4.2 mg) MS (ES+) 1217.5 Example 99 4", 11-0-Bis {3- (N-methyl-N- [2- (2-pyridyl) ethyl] aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.7 mg; MS 1129 Example 100 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(6, 7-dimethoxy-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2- yl) propanoyl}--8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 4.0 mg; MS 1243 Example 101 4", 11-O-Bis {3- (1 R, 2S)-2- (2-amino-3-methoxy-1-phenylpropan-1- ol) propanoyl}--8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.3 mg; MS 1219 Example 102 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3. 2 mg; MS 1191

Example 103 4", 11-O-Bis {3-(N-ethyl-N-(4-pyridylmethyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.1 mg; MS 1129 Example 104 4"11,-O-Bis {3- [4- (trifluoromethoxy) phenyl] benzylaminopropanoyl)-8a-aza- 8a-homoerythromycin A 3.3 mg; MS 1239 Example 105 4"11,-O-Bis {3-[3-(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl] benzyluaminopropanoyl}-8a- aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.3 mg; MS 1239 Example 106 4", 11-0-Bis {3-[1-(4-methoxyphenyl)1-ethanone]aminopropanoyl}- 8a-aza- 8a-homoerythromycin A 2.2 mg; MS 1187 Example 107 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(4-ethyl)-2-methoxyphenol)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 2.9 mg; MS 1191 Example 108 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(2S)-3-phenylpropan-1-ol)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.1 mg; MS 1159 Example 109 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(4-methoxybenzyl-)minopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.3 mg; MS 1131

Example 110 4", 11-O-Bis {3-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenethyl) minopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.5 mg; MS 1219 Example 111 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(4-pyridylethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.1 mg; MS 1073 Example 112 4", 11-O-Bis{3-(3-pyridylethyl)minopropanoyl)-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.8 mg; MS 1073 Example 113 4", 11-O-Bis {3-(4-methoxyphenethyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.6mg; MS 1159 Example 114 4", 11-O-Bis{3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3. 5 mg ; MS 1191 Example 115 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(4-nitrophenethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 4. 1 mg ; MS 1189 Example 116 4", 11-0-Bis {3- (2, 4-dimethoxybenzy)) aminopropanoyt}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.6 mg; MS 1191

Example 117 4", 11-O-Bis {3-(2-methoxybenzyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.4 mg; MS 1131 Example 118 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(1,3-benzodioxazol-5-ylmethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 2.6 mg; MS 1159 Example 119 4", 11-0-Bis {3- (3, 4,5-trimethoxybenzyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.3 mg; MS 1251 Example 120 4", 11-0-Bis {3- (2-ethoxybenzyt) minopropanoyt}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.2 mg; MS 1159 Example 121 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(1S)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.5 mg; MS 1159 Example 122 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(1R)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.6 mg ; MS 1159 Example 123 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(1S)-1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.9 mg; MS 1189

Example 124 4",11-O-Bis {3-(1 R)-1-(4-nitrophenyl) ethyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 4.1 mg; MS 1189 Example 125 4",11-O-Bis {3-(4-nitrobenzyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 4.2 mg; MS 1161 Example 126 4",11-O-Bis {3-(N-methyl-N-(4-nitrophenyl)) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 4.2 mg; MS 1217 Example 127 4",11-O-Bis {3-(2-pyridylmethyl) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.4 mg; MS 1073 Example 128 4", 1-0-Bis {3-(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.3 mg; MS 1101 Example 129 4", 11-0-Bis {3-(2-phenoxy-1-ethan) aminopropanoyl}-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 2. 6 mg ; MS 1131 The above examples 99 to 129 were obtained starting from Example 97 (5mg) and 10 equivalents of amine, following the same procedure described in Example 98.

The amountsof reagent used (i. e amine compound) have been listed in Table 2.

Table 2 Example Amine Amine no. (mg) Ex 99 N N, CH, 8, 4 i Ex 100 re° I w 12,0 MeO «. t, Ex 101 cl, 11, 2 NH; Ex 102 10, 4 H, C'0 H, c Ex 103 CNSCH5 8, 4 NEZ Ex 104 gf 3NH2 11,9 F zu F F Ex 105 F C 11, 9 Nu. F Ex 106 rA, 10, 2 NU. Me Ex 107 10, 4 HC) Ex 108 H2 9, 4 Oh Ex 109 NH, 8, 5 Ex 110 Hy- 112 H : C, Ex 111 N H 6,7 N Ex 112 N H, 6, 7 N Ex 113 H, C, NH, 9, 4 0 Ex 114 H'° NH. 10, 4 10, 4 Ex 115 10, 3 o, nez Ex 116 N H, 10, 4 Mu0 OMe Ex 1 1 7 XN H2 8, 5 3 /NHz Ex 118 HZN \ li °> 9,4 0 Ex 119 H, '° I NH 12, 2 HaCwO/ 0 H3C Ex 120 CH3 9,4 /CH2 Ex 121 1-9, 4 / Ex 122 9,4 N-H Ex 123 10, 3 Nu, 02NW

Ex 124 10, 3 NH 0,N Ex 125 NH2 9,4 o, N Ex 126 O2NX/11, 2 C, N-- Ex 127 X H 6,7 NI NU OH Ex 128 XNH 7,6 N N-H H H Ex 129 8,5 0 N H 2 Example 130 4"-O- (Propenoyl)-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 2.0 g of 6-OMe-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin was dissolved in 100 ml of CHAOS at room temperature. To this solution 900 mg of NaHCO3 and 280 pl of Ac2O were added. Stirring over night. To this mixture 100 ml of brine and 50 ml of water were added. The organic layer was separated, washed with 50 ml brine, dried and evaporated to yield 2.1 g of the 2'-OAc 4"0-(Propenoyl)-6-O-methyl- 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A.

290 mg of said compound were dissolved in 10 ml toluene and the solvent was evaporated. This was performed 2 times. After that the residue was again dissolved in 15 ml toluene and stirred under argon. To this solution was added 470 pI TEA and 101 pl 3 chloropropionyl-chloride (in three portions in a period of 10 minutes). After 15 h 235 pl TEA and 50 ul of 3 chloro-propionylchloride were added. 3 h later 170 pl TEA and 25 ul of 3 chloro-propionylchloride were added.

After that 30ml of sat. NaHC03 was added. Extraction with 3x20 ml toluene.

Drying and evaporation of the solvent yielded 261 mg of the product.

This residue was dissolved in 30 ml of MeOH and stirred over night to yield after evaporation of the solvent the title compound (300 g).

MS (ES+) 817.1 Example 131 4"-O- 3-(4-nitrophenethyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A To example 130 (5 mg) dissolved in 200 ul of acetonitrile was added 5 eq of the amine 4-nitrophenethylamine hydrochloride (followed by the addition of 5 pl of DIPEA). This mixture was heated at 70°C for 48 hours and cooled to room temperature and the scavanger resin [30 mg] (4-benzyloxybenzaldehyde polymer bound) and CH2CI2 (600 ul) were added. After 2 days the resin is filtered off, washed with methanol (300 pI), CH2CI2 (300 µl) and again with methanol (300 lul). The solvent was evaporated giving the title compound de MS (ES+) 983. 2 Example 132 4"-O- {3- (N-methyl-N- [2- (2-pyridylethyl] aminopropanoyl)-6-0-methyl 8a- aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.9 mg; MS 953 Example 133 4"-O- {3- (6, 7-dimethoxy-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)propanoyl}-6-O- methyl 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 4. 0 mg ; MS 1010 Example 134 4"-O-3-(1R,2S)-2-(2-amino-3-mthoxy-1-phenylpropan-1-ol-6-O- methyl) propanoyl}-8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 2.9 mg; MS 998

Example 135 4"-0- {3- (3,5-dimethoxybenzyl) aminopropanoyl}-6-0-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.3 mg; MS 984 Example 136 4"-O-{3-(N-ethyl-N-(4-pyridylmethyl) aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza- 8a-homoerythromycin A 3.8 mg; MS 953 Example 137 4"-O- 3-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]benzyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-met hyl- 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.9 mg; MS 1008 Example 138 4"-O-{3-[3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]benzyl0aminopropanoyl}-6 -O-methyl- 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.8 mg; MS 1008 Example 139 4"-O-{3-(1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-ethanone)aminopropanoyl}-6-O- methyl- 8a-aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 2.6 mg; MS 982 Example 140 4"-O- 3- (2-methoxyphenol-4- (ethyl) aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl 8a-aza- 8a-homoerythromycin A 3.6 mg; MS 984 Example 141 4"-O-{ (2S)-2-(3-aminopropanoyl)-3-phenylpropan-1-ol}-6-O-methyl-8a -aza- 8a-homoerythromycin A 2.7 mg; MS 968

Example 142 4"-O- {3-(4-methoxybenzyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl 8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.6 mg; MS 954 Example 143 4"-O- {3- (3, 4-dimethoxyphenethyl) aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.8 mg; MS 998 Example 144 4"-O- {3-(4-pyridylethyl) aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 4. 0 mg ; MS 925 Example 145 4"-O-{3-(3-pyridylethyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl 8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 4.1 mg ; MS 925 Example 146 4"-O- 3-(4-methoxyphenethyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.6 mg; MS 968 Example 147 4"-0- 3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl 8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.9 mg; MS 984 Example 148 4"-O-3-(4-nitrophenethyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl 8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 4.4 mg; MS 983

Example 149 4"-O-{3-{2,4-dimethoxybenzyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-a za-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.6 mg; MS 984 Example 150 4"- {3-(2-methoxybenzyl) aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.5 mg; MS 954 Example 151 4"-O-{3-(1,3-benzodioxazol-5-yl-methyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-m ethyl-8a- aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3. 8 mg; MS 968 Example 152 4"-0- {3- (3, 4,5-trimethoxybenzyl) aminopropanoyl }-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.4 mg; MS 1014 Example 153 4"-O-{3-(2-ethoxybenzyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a - homoerythromycin A 2.8 mg; MS 968 Example 154 4"-O-{3-(1S)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-me thoyl-8a- aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.8 mg; MS 968 Example 155 4"-O-3-(1R0-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-eth yl-8a- aza-8a-homoerythromycin A 3.6 mg; MS 968

Example 156 4"-O-{3-(1S)-1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-meth yl-8a-aza- 8a-homoerythromycin A 4.0 mg; MS 983 Example 157 4"-0- (1 R)-1-(4-nitrophenyl) ethyl-2-aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza- 8a-homoerytrhromycin A 3.9 mg; MS 983 Example 158 4"-O-{3-(4-nitrobenzyl0aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 4.0 mg; MS 979 Example 159 4"-O- 3-(n-methyl-N-(4-nitrophenyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-a za- 8a-homoerythromycin A 4.1 mg; MS 997 Example 160 4"-O- {3- (2-pyridylmethyl) aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.5 mg; MS 925 Example 161 4"-O- {3-(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)aminopropanoyl}-6-O-methyl-8a-aza-8a- homoerythromycin A 3.6 mg; MS 939 The above examples 132 to 161 were obtained starting from Example 130 (5mg ) and 5 equivalent of amine and following the same procedure described in Example 131..

The amount of reagent used (i. e. amine compound) have been listed in table 3.

Table 3 Example Amine Amine no. (mg) 132 N N, CH, 4,2 a i 133 Meo 6,0 H 134 cl, 5,6 1 35 H3C 4/NHo 5, 2 0 H,C'0 136 N 4, 2 137 N _ 5,9 su 0 F % F 138 F F 5,9 nu2 F O 139 f 5,1 NH2 P, leO I 5, 2 HO- 141 H2 4, 7 ou 142 ff"" 143 H 5, 6 H C, 43 M43 144 N H'3,4 I rd 145 VN H2 3X4 N 146 ; i NH'4, 7 H, C, 147 H, c'° i I NHz 5, 2 H, c 0 r N 148 I '5, 1 o, ru 149 WN H2 5 s 2 Met OMe 150 XNH2 473 /NH 151 H2N<C°) 47 0 152 H, C N H, 6,1 H, coo H, C' HC 153 =N 3 4, 7 H 154 1-4, 7

H / 156 5, 2 Nu, OZON 157 5, 2 O : N o 158 nez 4,7 O2N HCI 159 I N 5,6 o, N 160 I H 3, 4 H 161 3, 8 N nah H N-H H Pharmacy examples Tablets mg/tab Active ingredient 320 Lactose 150 Ethyl cellulose 20 Sodium lauryl sulphate 7 Magnesium stearate 3 Tablet core 500

The active ingredient and the lactose are blended together and then granulated using water as granulating fluid. The dried granules are blended with ethyl cellulose, sodium lauryl sulphate and magnesium stearate and the tablet core formed using an appropriate punch. The tablet may be coated using conventional technique and coatings.

Injection The sterile vials were filled with the sterile active ingredient (500 mg). Purge the vial head space with sterile nitrogen; close the vials using rubber and metal overseas The product may be constituted by dissolving in water for injection (10 ml) or other suitable sterile vehicle for injection shortly before administration.

Activity data The value of MIC (microbial inhibition concentration), obtained according to NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards), of the preferred compounds of the invention against erythromycin susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes are less then or equal to 1 ug/ml.

In particular Ex 1, Ex 2, Ex 4, Ex 37 and Ex 25 showed MIC<=0, 01 and <=2 ug/ml against erythromycin susceptible and resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains, respectively.

The compounds of the invention are also essentially non-toxic at therapeutically useful dose levels.