| abstract |
The invention relates to new isoxazole derivatives of the general formula <IMAGE> wherein X and Y which are the same or different, stand for a nitrile group, an optionally activated carboxylic group, a -CO2Z or -CONRR' group wherein Z represents a C1-6 alkyl group, R and R' represent a hydrogen atom, a phenyl or benzyl group or R and R' together with the nitrogen atom may form a heterocyclic ring, or X and Y together stand for an anhydride group of the formula <IMAGE> By catalytic hydrogenation, the compounds of the formula (I) can be transformed to intermediates for the preparation of thienamycin, a known broad-spectrum antibiotic. |