The present invention is directed to the synthesis and characterization of compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, OR', SH, SR', SOR', SO.sub.2 R', NO.sub.2, NH.sub.2, NHR', N(R').sub.2, NHC(O)R', CN, halogen, .dbd.O, C(.dbd.O)H, C(.dbd.O)R', CO.sub.2 H, CO.sub.2 R', C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 alkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaromatic; wherein each of the R' groups is independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, NH.sub.2, NO.sub.2, SH, CN, halogen, .dbd.O, C(.dbd.O)H, C(.dbd.O)CH.sub.3, CO.sub.2 H, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3, C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, and heteroaromatic; wherein each dotted circle represents one, two or three optional double bonds; wherein R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 may be joined into a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system; and wherein X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are each independently defined as above for R.sub.1 -R.sub.8, and each further includes specific preferred groups as defined herein.
In recognition of the need to develop novel therapeutic agents and efficient methods for the synthesis thereof, the present invention provides novel compounds of general formula (I), and methods for the synthesis thereof. ##STR1## In another aspect, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods for treating cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) to a subject in need thereof.
In recognition of the need to develop novel therapeutic agents and efficient methods for the synthesis thereof, the present invention provides novel compounds of general formula (I), and methods for the synthesis thereof. ##STR00001## In another aspect, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods for treating cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) to a subject in need thereof.
