Biological activity of some monocyclic- and bicyclic beta-lactams with specified functional groups.

This Review contains our recent studies on evaluation of biological activities associated with monocyclic beta-lactams and bicyclic beta-lactam antibiotics containing various heteroatoms. A series of bicyclic beta-lactams was synthesized, which possessed electron-withdrawing groups, such as an ester, mesylate, and triflate functionality. These beta-lactams exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity.