Novel C-2 substituted carbapenem derivatives. Part I. Synthesis and biological activity of non-aromatic heterocyclic derivatives.

A new series of carbapenems, having a saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle at C-2, has been synthesised. The in vitro antibacterial activity of these compounds and their stability to human dehydropeptidase-1 (DHP-1) are described. The stereochemistry of the C-2 side-chain and the presence of a double bond in the heterocycle were shown to have significant effects on the stabilities of the compounds to DHP-1.