The X-ray structural investigation of 6-(n,n-1,6-hexyleneformamidine)-penicillanic acid (mecillinam)

A new type of 6-formamidinepenicillanic acid in which the omega-nitrogen atom is involved in the azaheptane ring (mecillinam) having a strong selective activity against Gram-negative bacteria strains has been investigated by the X-ray single-crystal diffraction methods using crystals in the solvated state. The conformation of penam part as well as of the amidine group is discussed. Two independent molecules of mecillinam found in the asymmetric unit of the crystal cell differ from each other in their detailed conformations. The problem of the stability of the compound has been discussed also.