Process for the synthesis of penems and penams

摘要

Described is a novel process for the preparation of penams and penems useful as antibacterial agents, which comprises the reaction of an appropriate 4-substituted-azetidin-2-one with a base, followed by reaction of the thereby formed penam compound with an oxidating agent and a organic or inorganic base. Also described are novel penam compounds useful as antibacterials which are prepared by the described process.