Synthesis and Biological Activity of Cyanoethyl Derivatives of Fusidic Acid

3,11-Dihydroxy and 3,11-dioxo triterpenoids of the fusidane series reacted with acrylonitrile in 1,4-dioxane in the presence of alkali and phase-transfer catalyst to give mono- and bis(2-cyanoethoxy) and 2-cyanoethyl derivatives. The reaction with 3,11-dioxo analog afforded 2,2-disubstituted derivative as a result of addition of two cyanoethyl groups to the α-position with respect to the C 3 =O carbonyl group. The isolated compounds were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities.