Chapter 17, Problem 17.98P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The important structural feature that makes penicillin a biologically active antibiotic should be determined and the biological activity of penicillin should be explained.

Concept Introduction:

The structure of penicillin contains two amide units, amongst which one is bonded to $\text{α}$ carbon of the $\text{β}$ -lactum and the second amide is part of four-membered ring known as $\text{β}$ -lactum.