The phosphite mediated Oxalimide cyclization reaction was extended to
4-dithiocarbonates of N-oxalyl-2-azetidinones to synthesize 2-alkoxy p
enems 3. In general, the in vitro antibacterial potency of compounds 3
was weak compared to the highly potent 2-alkyltlhiopenems 2. (C) 1998
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