Nitrocefin

Nitrocefin is a chromogenic cephalosporin substrate routinely used to detect the presence of beta-lactamase enzymes produced by various microbes. Beta-lactamase mediated resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin is a widespread mechanism of resistance for a number of bacteria including members of the Enterobacteriaceae family; a major group of enteric Gram-negative bacteria. Other methods for beta-lactamase detection exist including PCR; however, nitrocefin allows for rapid beta-lactamase detection using few materials and inexpensive equipment.As a cephalosporin, nitrocefin contains a beta-lactam ring which is susceptible to beta-lactamase mediated hydrolysis. Once hydrolyzed, the degraded nitrocefin compound rapidly changes color from yellow to red. Although nitrocefin is considered a cephalosporin, it does not appear to have antimicrobial properties.
CAS No.:41906-86-9
Synonyms: NITROCEFIN;3-(2,4-DINITROSTYRYL)-(6R, 7R)-7-(2-THIENYLACETAMIDO)-CEPH-3-EM-4 CARBOXYLIC ACID, E-ISOMER;(6R)-3-[(E)-2-(2,4-Dinitrophenyl)ethenyl]-8-oxo-7α-[(2-thienylacetyl)amino]-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid
Molecular Formula:  C21H16N4O8S2 

Molecular Weight: 516.5