The invention relates to distamycin A analogs of the following formula ##STR1## wherein n is 2, 3 or 4; A is an optionally substituted divalent radical chosen from ##STR2## and -Het- wherein Het is a pentatomic or hexatomic heteromonocyclic ring, except pyrrole; and wherein either one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen and the other is an acylating moiety or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are both hydrogen or both alkyl groups optionally substituted, including the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the said compounds.The compounds of the invention can be useful antitumor and antiviral agents.