DL-(1-Amino-2-propeny1) phosphonic acid was synthesized through the sequential oxidation, sulfoxide elimination, and deprotection of diphenyl [1-[(benzyloxycarbonyl) amino]- 3-(phenylthio) propyl] phosphonate. This analogue of vinylglycine is a strong inhibitor of the alanine racemases from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus fuecalis and of the D- Ala: D-Ala ligase from this latter species. This molecule is ineffective against the whole ...