Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 1beta-methyl-2-(5-substituted oxadiazolo pyrrolidin-3-yl-thio)carbapenem derivatives.

Synthesis of a new series of 1beta-methylcarbapenems with a substituted oxadiazolopyrrolidine moiety is described. Their in vitro antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were tested and the effect of the substituent on the oxadiazole ring investigated. In particular, compounds 13a and 13c with ester and carbamoyl substituted oxadiazole moieties showed the most potent antibacterial activity.