Abstract: Retinoid-like activity is exhibited by compounds of the formula ##STR1## where X is S, O or NR.sub.1 where R.sub.1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; n is 0-5; R is H or lower alkyl and A is H, --COOH or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof, --CH.sub.2 OH or an ether or ester derivative thereof, or --CHO or an acetal derivative thereof, or --COR.sub.2 or a ketal derivative thereof where R.sub.2 is --(CH.sub.2).sub.m CH.sub.3 where m is 0-4; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.