Synthesis and biological activities of some cephalosporin derivatives with carbonylamino or acetylamino [(nitro or amino) imidazole] substituents in position 7.

The synthesis and the physicochemical properties of some cephalosporin derivatives with a carbonylamino- or acetylaminoimidazole moiety in position 7 are described. The effects on biological activity of the presence of some groups (methyl or ethyl, 2-nitro or 5-nitro, 2-amino) on the imidazole nucleus are examined. Selected heterocyclicthiomethyl substituents were also introduced in the 3 position of the cephalosporin nucleus. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the compounds and their effectiveness in protecting against bacterial (S. aureus) infections in mice were evaluated. Two of the compounds (V b) and (V d) are as active as cephalexin and more active than cephalothin when administered subcutaneously, while they appear to be less effective when administered orally.