Clavulanic Acid, Potassium Salt (MM 14151, Potassium Clavulanate)

Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactam antibiotic produced by several species of the genus Streptomyces. The free acid degrades and is isolated and maintained as either the sodium or potassium salt. Clavulanate is a weak antibiotic but is a potent inhibitor of beta- lactamases. In combination with penicillin and cephalosporins it shows potent synergistic activity. Clavulanic acid is a suicide inhibitor, covalently binding to a serine residue in the active site of the beta-lactamase. Melting Point: >170.5°C (dec), Solubility: Water (Hot, Sparingly), Atmosphere: Inert Gas, Method for Determining Identity: Proton NMR (D2O) Spectroscopic and Mass Spectrometric Analysis, TLC Conditions: C18, Acetonitrile: Water= 9:5, Visualized with UV and Ninhydrin, single spot, Rf= 0.55, Potassium Content: ~16% by Ion chromatography, Elemental Analysis: Calculated: %C: 40.50, %H: 3.40, %N: 5.90, Storage and Stability: May be stored at RT for short-term only. Long-term storage is recommended at -20°C for 6 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial prior to removing the cap. Hygroscopic. Store under Inert atmosphere.