Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), where R1 and R2, identical or different, are each independently a hydrogen atom or a non-substituted or substituted (C1-C12) alkyl group; R3 is a hydrogen atom or a non-substituted or substituted (C1-C6) alkyl group; R4 is a non-substituted or substituted (C1-C12) alkyl group or an aryl or heteroaryl group, said aryl and heteroaryl groups being non-substituted or substituted; and R5 is a non-substituted or substituted (C1-C12) alkyl group; or R4 and R5 are bonded to one another by a saturated hydrocarbon chain having 3 or 4 carbon atoms, optionally in hydrated form or in the form of a salt that is acceptable for being administered to animals or plants, for the use thereof as a potentiator of the effect of an antimicrobial agent or for the use thereof as an antimicrobial agent.