Various 4-([(1E)-substituted phenyl methylene]amino} benzoic acids (IIIa-e) have been synthesized by condensation of p-amino benzoic acid with different aldehydes. The cyclocondensation reaction of IIIa-e with chloroacetyl chloride afforded 4-(3-chloro-2-oxo-4-substituted phenyl-azetidine-1-yl)benzoic acid (IVa-e). The structures of the synthesized compounds have been established on the basis of their analytical and spectral data. All the compounds have been screened for their antimicrobial activities. © 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.