Prianicin A and B,nor-sesterterpenoid peroxide antibiotics from red sea sponges

Summary The antibiotic properties of 2 acidic C₂₄H₄₀O₄ nor-sesterterpenoid peroxides, prianicin A (1) and B (2), against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and against fungi are herein described. They are 4–10 times more effective than tetracycline againstbeta hemolytic Streptococcus, but significantly non-effective against a variety of gram-negative bacteria.Acknowledgment. The authors are grateful to Prof. A. Kjaer of the Organic Chemistry Department of the Technical University of Denmark, for his help and fruitful discussions.