Penicillin - Structure

Structure

The term "penam" is used to describe the core skeleton of a member of the penicillin antibiotics. This skeleton has the molecular formula R-C9H11N2O4S, where R is a variable side chain.

Normal penicillin has a molecular weight of 313 to 334 g/mol (latter for penicillin G). Penicillin types with additional molecular groups attached may have a molar mass around 500 g/mol. For example, cloxacillin has a molar mass of 476 g/mol and dicloxacillin has a molar mass of 492 g/mol.

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