Synthesis of 2-azetidinones from 2-diazo-1, 2-diarylethanones and N-(2-thienylidene)imines as possible antimicrobial agents.

An equimolar reaction of 2-diazo-1, 2-diarylethanones with N-(2-thienylidene)imines affords 1-substituted-3, 3-diaryl-4-(2-thienyl)-2-azetidinones in excellent yields. The products have been characterized on the basis of satisfactory analytical and spectral (IR, 1H and 13C NMR, MS) data. The mechanism of formation of the products is shown. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds against some Gram(+) and Gram(-) bacteria, and fungi is reported.