Carbapenem and penem antibiotics. IV. Carbapenem and penem antibiotics. V.Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 2-functionalized-methyl 1-methylcarbapenems related to asparenomycins.

The synthesis of 1α- and/or 1β-methylcarbapenems, 2-unsubstituted and 2-(5-methyl-1, 3, 4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thiomethyl derivatives having a 1-(hydroxy)methylethylidene or cyclic carbonate side chain at the C-6 position, is described. The in vitro antibacterial activities of these compounds and their corresponding 1-unsubstituted carbapenems are compared.