Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 1 beta-methyl-2-(5-substituted imidazolino pyrrolidin-3-ylthio)carbapenem derivatives

The synthesis of a new series of 1 beta-methylcarbapenems containing a substituted imidazolino pyrrolidine 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 imidazoline ring was investigated. Compound 13 g which has a N-sulfonylmethyl substituted imidazoline moiety showed the most potent antibacterial activity.