Abstract: 1-N-Alkyl-4,6-di-(aminoglycosyl)-1,3-diaminocyclitols, valuable as antibacterial agents, are prepared by treating an acid addition salt of a 4,6-di-(aminoglycosyl)-1,3-diamonocyclitol antibacterial agent in an inert solvent, preferably a protic solvent containing water, with one equivalent of a hydride donor reducing agent and with at least one equivalent of an aldehyde.The 1-N-alkyl-4,6-di-(aminoglycosyl)-1,3-diaminocyclitols are also prepared by treating the corresponding 1-N-acyl-4,6-di-(aminoglycosyl)-1,3-diaminocyclitol with an amide-reducing hydride reagent in an inert organic solvent.Other methods of preparing 1-N-alkyl-4,6-di-(aminoglycosyl)-1,3-diaminocyclitols include carrying out the foregoing processes with partially N-protected intermediates. Another useful process involves preparing a Schiff base of the 1-amino function of a partially N-protected 4,6-di-(aminoglycosyl)-1,3-diaminocyclitol followed by reduction of said Schiff base and removal of the N-protecting groups.

Abstract: The novel aminoglycoside, 0-2-amino-2,3,4-trideoxy-.alpha.-D-glycero-hex-4-enopyranosyl-(1.fwdarw.4) -garamine, is prepared by treating Aminoglycoside 66-40C with aqueous acid followed by treatment with a hydride donor reducing agent. Pharmaceutical compositions of the novel aminoglycoside and its pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are described as well as their use as antiprotozoal agents.