Separation of gentamicin C-complex into five components by Craig distribution.

A gentamicin C-complex preparation was separated preparatively into five components by Craig distribution. Gentamicins C1, C2, and C1a were the major components, whereas components C2a and C2b represented only 4% of the total C-complex mixture. Paper chromatographic analysis showed that the gentamicin C2b separated by Craig distribution was identical with a gentamicin isolated from Micromonospora purpurea var. JI-33 fermentation broth and identified as 6'-N-methylgentamicin C1a. Similarly, component C2a was identical with a previously separated gentamicin component tentatively identified as the 6'-C epimer of gentamicin C2.