Studies on cephalosporin antibiotics. V. Synthesis, antibacterial activity and oral absorption of new 3-((Z)-2-methoxycarbonylvinylthio)-7.BETA.-((Z)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2-(oxyimino)acetamido)cephalosporins.

A series of new 3-[(Z)-2-methoxycarbonylvinylthio]-7 beta-[(2- aminothiazol-4-yl)acetamido]-cephalosporins (1) having various oxyimino groups (Z-form) at the alpha position of the C-7 side chain was synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial activity and oral absorption in rats. Of these, the cephalosporin (1a) with a hydroxyimino group in the C-7 side chain showed a potent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus as well as good oral absorption in rats. The structure-activity relationships of 1 are also presented.