Polarographic studies of beta-lactam degradations

Alkaline degradation studies were followed polarographically for eleven cephalosporins. Correlations are apparent in that most compounds give waves at -0.J9 V (pH 2) and -0.50 V (pH 2); these are the initial and secondary polarographically active alkaline degradation products respectively. Possible structures for these degradation products are suggested which contain a reducible carbon-nitrogen double bond in the 6-membered thiazine ring analogous to 1,4-benzodiazepines [continued]...