Synthesis of 3-acylamino-4-hydroxymethyl-2-oxo-1-sulfoazetidines and related compounds.

Abstract
The synthesis of both enantiomers of the trans-3-acylamino-4-hydroxymethyl-2-oxo-1-sulfoazetidines is described. The enantiomers of 4-hydroxymethyl-2-azetidinone were chosen as starting materials, and one was synthesized from L-malic acid. For sulfonation at the N-1 position, the new amidine-N-sulfonic acid was prepared and used. The preparation and antibacterial properties of the 4-acetoxymethyl derivatives are described.