Rifamycin derivatives

Abstract

This invention relates to a compound of Formula I wherein; R is hydrogen or acetyl, R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, benzyloxy, mono- or di-(C1-3) alkylamino(C1-4) alkyl, (C1-3) alkoxy-(C1-4)alkyl, hydroxymethyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, and nitro; or R1 and R2 taken together with two consecutive carbon atoms of the pyridine ring form a benzene ring unsubstituted, or mono- or disubstituted by one or two methyl or ethyl groups; and R3 is hydroxyalkyl (C1-4) having antibacterial activity and a process for synthesizing the compound.