Rifampicin: A New Orally Active Rifamycin

Abstract

The synthesis of rifampicin (3-(4-methyl-piperazinyl-iminomethyl) rifamycin SV) starting from 3-formyl rifamycin SV is described. Rifampicin is a new rifamycin highly effective by oral administration in experimental infections induced by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and in experimental tuberculosis. Its chemical behavior, physico-chemical properties and spectrophotometric assay method are also reported.