Robert Robinson and penicillin: an unnoticed document in the saga of its structure

J Pept Sci. 2007 Dec;13(12):769-75. doi: 10.1002/psc.888.

Abstract

A description and commentary is given for an unnoticed sheet of formulae and arguments in the hand of Robert Robinson concerning the structure of penicillin. In this undated document, probably of Autumn 1944, he set out his arguments for favouring a thiazolidine-oxazolone structure over the actual beta-lactam structure.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Organic / history*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Molecular Structure
  • Penicillins / chemical synthesis
  • Penicillins / chemistry
  • Penicillins / history*
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • Penicillins

Personal name as subject

  • Robert Robinson