An efficient deoximation technique for use in synthesis of erythromycin derivatives, involving aryl thioimine intermediates is disclosed. The aryl thioimine intermediates can be utilized in a method for protecting a ketone of a ketone-containing erythromycin derivative as a thioimine; a method for deoximating an oxime-containing erythromycin derivative, or a method for preparing a 6-O-alkyl erythromycin derivative. Presently preferred erythromycin derivatives have a C-9 oxime or a C-9 ketone.