Synthesis of novel macrolide derivatives with imidazo[4,5-b]pyridinyl sulfur contained alkyl side chains and their antibacterial activity.

In an effort to find new antibiotics, a novel series of 14-membered macrolides with imidazo[4,5-b]pyridinyl sulfur contained alkyl side chains has been synthesized based on commercially available clarithromycin. Chemical transformation of hydroxy group at position C-3 afforded range of ketolides and acylides. Compared to telithromycin, compound 15a demonstrated improved in vitro activity against erythromycin-susceptible and -resistant strains.