Synthesis and in vitro activity of C-2 quaternary heterocyclic alkylthio carbapenems

The synthesis of new carbapenems having various (substituted) quaternary heterocyclic alkylthio groups at the C-2 position is described. The in vitro antibacterial activity and the dehydropeptidase-I susceptibility were examined. Some of these compounds (e.g., 11, 16, 26 and 27) showed an excellent wide spectrum of in vitro antibacterial activity including activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and greater stability than imipenem toward the dehydropeptidase-I.