Bromine induced lactamization of vinyl acetohydroxamates facilitated syntheses of monocyclic β-lactams suitable for incorporation of a thiomethyl and extended functionality at the C(4) position. Elaboration of the resulting substituted N-hydroxy-2-azetidinones allowed incorporation of functionalized α-amino substituents appropriate for enhancement of antibiotic activity. Evaluation of antibacterial activity against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria revealed structure-activity relationships (SAR) and identification of potent new monobactam antibiotics. The corresponding bis-catechol conjugate, 42, has excellent activity against Gram-negative bacteria including carbapenemase and carbacephalosporinase producing strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, which have been listed by the WHO as being of critical concern worldwide.