Synthesis and antibacterial activities of 4-pyrrolidinylthio carbapenems: containing heteroaromatics as a side chain.

The synthesis of a new series of 2-alkyl-4-pyrrolidinylthio-b-methylcarbapenems containing the substituted heteroaromatic moieties is described. Their in vitro antibacterial activities against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were tested. The effect of substituents on the nitrogen atoms at heteroaromatic rings was investigated. Particular compounds (14 b, 14 c) containing 3-methyl- and 3, 5-dimethylpyrazolethio substituted moiety showed the most potent antibacterial activity.