The reaction of tryptamine with aromatic aldehydes and methyl ester of 4-chlorobenzoylpyruvic acid led to the formation of 5-aryl-4-[hydroxy-(4-chlorophenyl)methylene]-1-[2-(1 H -indol-3-yl)ethyl]pyrrolidine-2,3-diones. The resulting compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity.