Intramolecular transamidation of β-lactams as a means for the enzymatic control of ring opening: Effect of substituents on the rate of reaction

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)02118-2

A series of simple monocyclic β-lactams bearing side-chains, containing amino groups, have been synthesized, and the rate of their intramolecular transamidation studied. Protection of the amino group with an enzymatically cleavable group, allows us to selectively control the ring enlargement process.