Abstract Preparation of 2-bromoethyl alkanoates and alkenoates, N, N'-bis (2- dimethylaminoethyl) methylamine (pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) and some of its bis- ammonium salts is described. IR spectra of the esters and ammonium salts have been interpreted. Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans for the bis-ammonium salts has been determined.