Synthesis of ring-contracted erythromycin A derivatives via microwave-assisted intramolecular transesterification.

ABSTRACT

The synthesis of ring-contracted derivatives of erythromycin A via intramolecular transesterification under microwave irradiation of 8,9-anhydroerythromycin A 6,9-hemiketal and its derivatives is described. It was found that microwave irradiation could significantly improve the yields and shorten the reaction times under either solvent-containing (method A) or solvent-free (method B) conditions.