Abstract: A method is provided for the production of antimicrobially effective phenol derivatives according to general Formula I in which R.sub.1 is bromine or chlorine, R.sub.2 is methyl or ethyl, R.sub.3 is hydrogen or sodium, potassium, ammonium or by alkyl with up to 10 C-atoms substituted ammonium, magnesium, calcium, barium, aluminum, tin, bismuth, copper, zinc, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy with up to 5 C-atoms, bromine or chlorine. The compounds are obtained by benzylation of 6-halogen- or 4-halogen-2-alkylphenol, halogenation of 2-alkyl-4-benzylphenol or -6-benzylphenol, or by alkylation of 6-halogen-4-benzylphenol or of 4-halogen-6-benzylphenol and if necessary through reaction of the product with hydroxide, alcoholate, carbonate or hydrogen carbonate of the above-mentioned metals. Water or lipid soluble effective substances are obtained which display a broad antimicrobial activity spectrum.