Antibacterial Properties of Organosulfur Anti-Infectives: A Review of Patent Literature 1999-2009

A wide variety of organosulfur compounds that exhibit antibacterial properties are being patented. Functionally, organosulfur groups can act as metal chelators, powerful nucleophiles, or electrophiles depending on the local reaction environment. In this review of patent literature from 1999-2009, the reliance of these compounds on the reaction of the sulfur moiety with its biological target(s) will be discussed with regards to activity, specificity, and antimicrobial spectrum.