Intra-and inter-molecular general base catalysis in the aminolysis of benzylpenicillin

Abstract
The rate law for the aminolysis of benzylpenicillin is obtained and Brønsted β-values indicate that the general-base-catalysed reaction occurs with a stepwise proton-transfer step; intramolecular general base catalysis occurs in the reaction of ethylenediamine with penicillin.