The synthesis, antibacterial activity and oral absorbability of 7 beta-[(Z)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2-hydroxyiminoacetamido]-3 -(1H-1,2, 3-triazol-4-yl)thiomethylthio-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid (1g) and related compounds are described. Their oral absorbability was influenced by the spacer length between C-3 of a cephem nucleus and C-4' of 1,2,3-triazole. The SCH2S structure was also found to contribute to their good oral absorption. The quantitative relationship between the bioavailability and the spacer length of cephalosporins (1a-1n) is discussed.