Abstract: There are disclosed novel avermectin compounds wherein the 4" hydroxy group is oxidized to a keto group or replaced with an amino or substituted amino group. The keto compounds are prepared by oxidation with reagents such as oxalyl chloride in dimethylsulfoxide. The amino compounds are prepared from the ketone using a reducing agent and an aminating agent. Substituted amino compounds are prepared from the thus produced unsubstituted amino compounds. The keto compounds and amino compounds have utility as anti-parasitic agents and compositions for that use are also disclosed. The compounds are also highly potent insecticides against agricultural pests. In addition the amino compounds have anti-bacterial activity which is not found in any of the precursors.