[raney nickel]

The 3rd generation cephalosporins have defenses against beta-lactamases like methoxyimmno groups (=N-O-CH3), protection from hydrolytic action of other enzymes by blocking, but the question I have is more about the aminotihazol groups conserved nearly throughout the whole series of drugs. 



examples of 3rd gens containing the above mentioned moieties.

the structure in question.

What activity does it confer to this class of compounds? Its also been used later in the 4th gen series as well, so I'm guessing that its pretty useful.