Activity of a series of beta-lactams against some phytopathogenic fungi

A series of 4-(aryloxy)- and 4-(arylthio)azetidin-2-ones were synthesized by reacting 4-acetoxyazetidin-2-one with phenols or thiophenols and by subsequent alkylation at the nitrogen. The compounds were tested against phytopathogenic fungi of different taxonomic classes in vitro and in vivo. Some of these compounds showed antifungal activity, in particular against Phycomycetes. In general, ethers are slightly more active than thioethers.