Halogenation of a suitably protected netilmicin derivative enables preparation of 4′-chloro-, bromo-, and iodo derivatives of netilmicin after deprotection. Suzuki coupling of a protected 4′-bromo derivative with phenylboronic acid or butyltrifluoroborate affords the corresponding 4′-phenyl and 4′-butyl derivatives of netilmicin. Sulfenylation of suitably protected netilmicin derivative with ethanesulfenyl chloride followed by deprotection affords 4′-ethylsulfanylnetilmicin. All netilmicin 4′-derivatives displayed reduced levels of inhibition for prokaryotic ribosomes and reduced antibacterial activity against typical Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. None of the derivatives displayed enhanced target selectivity.