SE301470

Novel substituted 1,3-propanediols of the formula wherein R represents C1- 6 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or a heterocyclic group, including D-threo, L-threo, D-erythro and L-erythro isomers and racemic forms thereof, are prepared by reacting a compound of the formula with an ester of dichloroacetic acid. The above novel compounds may be formulated with solid or liquid pharmaceutical carriers into tablets, capsules, elixirs, suspensions or parenterals for use as antimicrobial compositions effective against Protozoa and gram positive or gram negative bacteria.