An improved process for converting gentamicin B to isepamicin comprising forming 3,6'-di-N-formylgentamicin B, acylating the 1-amino group with an N-protected (S)-isoserine compound and removing all the blocking groups under conditions which result in high yields of isepamicin. A novel formylating agent, 2-formylmercaptobenzothiazole, and intermediate compounds are also disclosed.