The synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial activity of a new penem antibiotic, sodium (5R, 6S)-2-(2-fluoroethylthio)-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]penem-3-carboxylate (1), are reported. The MIC values of 1 are compared with those of some related 2-halcalkylthio penems prepared in this work, and also Sch 29482 and thienamycin.
