Beta-lactam Antibiotic - Nomenclature

Nomenclature

β-Lactams are classified according to their core ring structures. For example:

• β-Lactams fused to thiazolidine rings are named penams.
• β-Lactams fused to 2,3-dihydrothiazole rings are named penems.
• β-Lactams fused to 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrole rings are named carbapenems.
• β-Lactams fused to 3,6-dihydro-2H-1,3-thiazine rings are named cephems.
• β-Lactams not fused to any other ring are named monobactams.