Abstract: The benzophenone derivative of combretastatin A-1, designated “hydroxyphenstatin”, was synthesized by compiling a protected bromobenzene and a benzaldehyde to form a benzhydrol which was subsequently oxidized to the ketone. Hydroxyphenstatin was converted to a sodium phosphate prodrug by dibenzyl phosphite phosphorylation and subsequent benzyl cleavage: Hydroxyphenstatin and the prodrugs thereof were found to be a potent inhibitor of tubulin polymerization and to demonstrate surprisingly effective antineoplastic activity against a series of human cancer cells and murine P388 lymphocytic leukemia cells.