Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1beta-methylcarbapenems having cyclic thiourea moieties and their related compounds.

The synthesis of a new series of 1beta-methylcarbapenems having cyclic thiourea moieties is described. Their in vitro antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were tested and the effect of substituent on the pyrrolidine ring was investigated. A particular compound (IIId) having piperazine thiourea moiety showed the most potent antibacterial activity.