A number of 3-(4-substituted benzoylmethyl)-2-benzoxazolinones have been synthesized by reacting with 2-benzoxazolinone and 4-substituted phenacyl bromide in ethanol. Their chemical structures were confirmed by IR, H-1 NMR and elemental analysis. For screening antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined against two Gram positive, one Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) and three yeast-like the fungi (Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis). (C) 2002 Published by Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.