NEW MATERIAL:A sorbate shown by the formula (R1, R2, and R3 are H, alkyl, or aryl).

EXAMPLE: 2-Methylimidazole sorbate.

USE: Useful as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Capable of being added to various materials such as coating compounds, pastes, petroleum products, molded articles of plastics, fibers, leathers, wood, paper processed products, parts for industrial establishments and buildings. An amount of it to show antibacterial and antifungal effects is about 50W8,000ppm. In the case of necessity, it may be blended with other antibacterial agent, antifungal agent, surface active agent, perfume, and an auxiliary. Also useful as a curing agent for epoxy resins.

PREPARATION: Sorbic acid is reacted with imidazole or an imidazole derivative in a solvent at about 50W100°C under heating, to give a compound shown by the formula.