The total synthesis and evaluation of key analogs of vancomycin containing single atom changes in the binding pocket are disclosed as well as their peripherally modified, N-(hydrophobe-substituted) derivatives exemplified by a N-4-(4′-chlorobiphenyl)-methyl derivative and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are disclosed. Their evaluation indicates the combined pocket and peripherally modified analogs exhibit a remarkable spectrum of antimicrobial activity and truly impressive potencies against both vancomycin-sensitive and -resistant bacteria, and likely benefit from two independent and synergistic mechanisms of action. A pharmaceutical composition containing a contemplated compound or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt is disclosed, as is a method of treating a bacterial infection in a mammal by administering an antibacterial amount of a contemplated compound or its salt as above to an infected mammal in need of treatment.
