Aminopenicillanic acid

6-APA is the chemical compound (+)-6-aminopenicillanic acid. 6-APA is the chemical compound (+)-6-aminopenicillanic acid. 6-APA is the core of penicillins. It is obtained from the fermentation brew of the Penicillium mold and used as the main starting block for the preparation of numerous semisynthetic penicillins. In 1958, Beecham scientists in the UK discovered the penicillin nucleus, 6-APA. From that starting material, a large number of new semisynthetic penicillins could be designed, whose activity was directed against problem infections.