The invention relates to the use of (i) a compound of formula (I) or a (pharmaceutically) acceptable salt thereof or (ii) a mixture comprising one or more or consisting of two or more compounds of formula (I) and/or said saltswherein R1 denotes a radical in ortho-, meta, or para-position to the phenolic OH group, the radical being selected from the group consisting of E/Z-3-methylbut-l-en-1-yl, 3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl and 3-methylbut-3-en-1-yl and R2 denotes a radical in ortho-, meta, or para-position to the phenolic OH group, the radical being selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl groups with 1 to 3 C atoms as antimicrobial agent for inactivation of microorganisms, in particular for rapid inactivation of microorganisms, with the proviso that the use is not within a method for treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy or within a diagnostic method practised on the human or animal body.
