2-Aminopropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid: Synthesis and co-crystallization with the class A beta-lactamase BS3 of Bacillus licheniformis.

The title compound 4 has been prepared in four steps from ethylglycinate in 63% overall yield. This amino analog of citric acid has been co-crystallized with the class A beta-lactamase BS3 of Bacillus licheniformis and the structure of the complex fully analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Tris-ethyl aminocitrate 3 and the free tris-acid 4 have been tested against a member beta-lactamase from all distinct subgroups. They are novel inhibitors of class A beta-lactamases, still modest but more potent than citrate and isocitrate.