Alternate Drug Delivery Utilizing β-Lactam Cores: Syntheses and Biological Evaluation of β-Lactams Bearing Isocyanate Precursors

The synthesis of a small set of beta-lactams containing isocyanate precursors is described. The release of the isocyanate precursor in model hydrolysis experiments was substantiated by trapping experiments, thus confirming that beta-lactams can be designed that are capable of releasing alternatively reactive species. Preliminary biological assessments are also briefly discussed.