Abstract Six novel cis/trans-but-2-enedioic acid esters had been synthesized to discover the new bioactive molecules that could kill food-related bacteria and fungi. Their structures were analyzed by melting point, LC–MS, 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR. 4-(Methoxycarbonyl) phenyl ethyl fumarate (6b) was also characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their antimicrobial activities were evaluated in vitro by measuring the minimal inhibitory ...
