Streptomycin was first isolated by Albert Schatz. The molecular formula is C₂₁H₃₉N₇O₁₂. It consists of three fragments—an N-methyl-L-Glucosamine ring, an L-streptose and a streptidine ring—which are linked together by two glycosidic bonds. It also contains an elaborate network of hydrogen bonds linking selenite and streptomycin oxime ions and water molecules (refer Figure 13.2).

Figure 13.2 Structure of Streptomycin