Catechol-Vanadate Analogues as β-Lactamase Inhibitors

The inhibitory activity of o-phenylene phosphate, o-(4-nitrophenylene) carbonate, and o-phenylene carbonate against class A and C beta-lactamases were studied. It was concluded that the latter two compounds were inhibitors, and suggests that catechol-vanadate, an inhibitor that operates via an uncertain mechanism, forms a tetrahedral intermediate in the active site of beta-lactamases.