Crystal Geometry Optimization of β-Lactam Antibiotics Using MMFF Parameters

A generic force field approach has been applied to geometry optimization of penam and cephem crystals. The crystalline state energy and force evaluation with the universal force field (MMFF: Merck Molecular Force Field) results in good agreements with the crystallographic data. Bond lengths are usually correct to within 0.02 Å and bond angles usually to within 2.5°. The conformation of the β-lactam bicyclic rings in the crystal environment is also well reproduced. The results thus demonstrate the applicability of MMFF to modeling of newer molecular constructs in condensed phase.