Hydroxamic acid derivatives as potent peptide deformylase inhibitors and antibacterial agents

Low-molecular-weight beta-sulfonyl- and beta-sulfinylhydroxamic acid deriva tives have been synthesized and found to be potent inhibitors of Escherichi a coli peptide deformylase (PDF). Most of the compounds synthesized and tes ted displayed antibacterial activities that cover several pathogens found i n respiratory tract infections, including Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. The potentia l of these compounds as antibacterial agents is discussed with respect to s electivity, intracellular concentrations in bacteria, and potential for res istance development.