[On amino acid antagonists: beta-diketoesters and their corresponding gamma-enolethers]

Starting with well known beta-diketoesters the corresponding gamma-enolethers are synthesized and described. Both classes of compounds inhibited the growth of some microorganisms. The inhibition is abolishable by addition of certain amino acids to the definite medium. A possible mechanism of inhibition is discussed and compared with the mechanism of some beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-amino acids. The known unsaturated alpha-amino acids, their origin and their biological activity are summarized in two tables.