Synthesis of some thieno gamma lactam monocarboxylic acids with high antibacterial activity: a new look at an old molecular system.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of some novel monocyclic thienyl gamma lactams are reported. The compounds have been synthesized by a two-step process consisting of, first, intermolecular Michael addition, followed by intramolecular amidification between suitable arylamino malonate and 3-(2'-thienyl) acryloyl chloride and then hydrolysis cum in situ decarboxylation of the diacid. The compounds showed moderate to high antibacterial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.