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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Crystallizing Membrane Proteins for Structure Determination using Lipidic Mesophases
Published on: November 21, 2010
Crystal structure of tebipenem pivoxil
Chao Tang1, Li Cai2, Shuai Liu1
1China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Rd, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China.
The molecular structure of tebipenem pivoxil, the first oral carbapenem antibiotic, was determined. Its crystal structure reveals specific conformations and hydrogen bonding critical for its function.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Crystallography
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tebipenem pivoxil is the first orally active carbapenem antibiotic.
- Understanding its molecular structure is crucial for drug development and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the molecular structure of tebipenem pivoxil.
- To validate the configurations of its chiral centers.
- To analyze its crystal packing and intermolecular interactions.
Main Methods:
- X-ray crystallography was used to determine the crystal structure.
- Analysis of crystallographic data provided molecular geometry and conformation.
- Hydrogen bonding patterns were identified.
Main Results:
- The molecular structure and configurations of four chiral centers were confirmed.
- Tebipenem pivoxil crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1.
- Planar and enveloped ring conformations were observed, with O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds forming molecular chains.
Conclusions:
- The determined crystal structure provides a detailed understanding of tebipenem pivoxil's solid-state characteristics.
- This structural information is vital for optimizing the formulation and therapeutic use of this important antibiotic.
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