Synthesis of Novel 6-α and 6-β-Alkylcarbonylmethyl Substituted Penems

Abstract

6-α and 6-β Alkylcarbonylmethyl penems were synthesized from 6-α-bromo and 6-oxo penicillanates respectively and their in vitro antibacterial activity was studied. The compounds were generally active against Gram-positive but not against Gram-negative strains, the compounds of the 6-β series being more active. Relatively to imipenem, taken as reference compound, the penems resulted more stable towards chemical hydrolysis in Tris-HCl buffered medium (pH 7.4) but more sensitive towards dehydropeptidase-I (DHP-I).