2-Nitroimidazole derivatives of the general formula ##SPC1## Wherein R is a lower alkyl group and Y is a member of the group consisting of --CH.sub.2 OH, --CHO, CH.sub.3 CO--, vinyl, formylvinyl, styryl, substituted iminomethyl, 2-benzimidazolyl and 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl. The term "lower alkyl" designates aliphatic groups of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; the term "substituted iminomethyl" designates nitrogen-containing functional derivatives of the aldehydic group. The compounds have antimicrobial activity.