The structure of tautomycetin, a dialkylmaleic anhydride antibiotic

Abstract

The chemical structure of tautomycetin (C33H50O10) was determined by chemical degradation and spectroscopic evidence. Tautomycetin exists in methanol - buffer solution (1% diethylamine - formic acid, pH7.3) as an equilibrium mixture of a 2, 3-dialkylmaleic anhydride and its dicarboxylic acid. The structure of tautomycetin is similar to tautomycin in many respects. © 1990, JAPAN ANTIBIOTICS RESEARCH ASSOCIATION. All rights reserved.