The epimerisation at C10 of ε-rhodomycinone by aqueous alkali treatment of its 6,7-acetonide is described. Daunosaminyl ε-rhodomycinone and daunosaminyl 10-epi-ε-rhodomycinone were prepared and compared with regard to their antibacterial properties. Daunosaminyl ε-pyrromycinone and 10-descarbomethoxy-ε-pyrromycin were synthesized and their antitumor properties were compared with some naturally occurring glycosides of ε-pyrromycinone.