Practice problem

Compounds — Definition & Overview

Penicillin, the first antibiotic, was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. Prior to its discovery diseases like syphilis were lethal.

Image Source: National Archives Archeological Site [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

C $_9$ H $_1$ $_1$ N $_2$ O $_4$ S is the chemical formula for penicillin. Which of the following statements is the best description of this antibiotic?