Semi-synthetic antibiotics: Titanium(IV), zirconium(IV) and mercury(II) complexes of 6-amino penicillinic acid

A number of organometallic derivatives involving 6-amino penicillinic acid (I), of the types η⁵-R)₂M- (Cl)L^?Et₃NH⁺ (II), (η⁵-R)₂M(Cl)L (III) and R′HgL [R = cyclopentadienyl (C₅H₅), indenyl (C₉H₇), R′ = phenyl (C₆H₅), p-acetoxyphenyl (p-CH₃COOC₆H₄), o-hydroxyphenyl (o-HOC₆H₄), p-hydroxyphenyl (p-HOC₆H₄); M = Ti(IV), Zr(IV); LH = 6-amino penicillinic acid] have been synthesized and characterized. Conductance measurements indicate that while the (η⁵-R)₂M(Cl)L^?Et₃NH⁺ complexes are 1:1 electrolytes, the remaining compounds are non-electrolytes. From IR and UV spectral studies it is concluded that the penicillin moiety is bidentate. PMR and CMR studies support the stoichiometry of the complexes. Fluorescence studies have been carried out for o- and p-HOC₆H₄HgL complexes and relevant photochemical parameters have been elucidated. X-ray diffraction studies have been made for the o-HOC₆H₄HgL complex. For the C₆H₅HgL, p-CH₃COOC₆H₄HgL and p-HOC₆H₄HgL complexes, thermal studies (TG and DTA) have been carried out and kinetic parameters for thermal degradation have been enumerated. In addition, the fragmentation pattern of these complexes has been analysed on the basis of mass spectra. The C₆H₅HgL and p-CH₃COOC₆H₄HgL complexes show positive bactericidal activities.