| abstract |
The present invention features proactive antitumor compounds of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R 1 is COOZ; Z being H, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, an ammonium group which is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl groups, or a carboxyl protecting group; each of R 2 , R 3 , and R 4 , independently, is OH or OR a ; R a being a hydroxyl protecting group; X is benzene or pyridine, optionally substituted with R b ; R b being H, C 1-5 alkyl, C 1-5 alkoxy, NO 2 , F, Cl, Br, SO 3 H, and CN; R 5 is H or OH; and each of n and m, independently, is 0 or 1; or a salt thereof. |