Tetronomycin, a novel polyether of unusual structure

Abstract

Tetronomycin, C34H5008 isolated from a strain of Streptomyces sp. nov. represents a novel polycyclic ionophore polyether. The crystal structure and absolute configuration were established by X-ray analysis of the mono-O-acetyltetronomycin silver salt. Tetronomycin is the first metabolic polyether which contains a tetronic acid moiety instead of the essential carboxylic acid function. A trisubstituted cyclohexane ring and an interesting molecular conformation of the silver salt represent additional unique structural features. Extensive NMR-studies enabled the assignment of chemical shifts and the correlation of the proton and carbon signals. Tetronomycin exhibits activity against Gram-positive bacteria. © 1982, JAPAN ANTIBIOTICS RESEARCH ASSOCIATION. All rights reserved.