(organic chemistry) Any of a class of cyclic amides that are the nitrogen analogs of lactones, formed by heating amino acids; the tautomeric enol forms are known as lactims.

plural of lactam

plural of lactamization

(organic chemistry) The conversion of a lactone into a lactam

(organic chemistry) A lactam having a three-membered ring structure.

(organic chemistry) A lactam having a four-membered ring structure; a structural element of many antibiotics such as penicillin.

plural of beta-lactam

plural of alpha-lactam

(chemistry) An amido acid related to lactic acid.

Alternative form of beta-lactam