Synthesis and antibacterial activity of cephalosporins having C-3 catechol-containing (pyridinium-4′-thio)-methyl groups

Cephalosporins with catechol-containing (pyridinium-4′-thio)methyl groups at C-3 have been synthesized and examined their antibacterial activity. They were found to have high potency against gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In particular, compound 9c bearing {1′-[N-(3″,4″-dihydroxybenzamide)carbamoylmethyl]pyridinium-4′-thio}methyl group at C-3 exhibited excellent antipseudomonal in vivo efficacy.