Abstract: Novel taxoids are provided having enhanced water solubility and/or improved pharmacological properties as compared to paclitaxel. The subject taxoids comprise a functional group attached to a paclitaxel at the C-2' and/or C-7 position by a linking group. Functional groups present in the subject taxoids may be hydrophilic chains, groups capable of in vivo conversion to hydrophilic chains, targeting moieties capable of specifically binding with cellular receptors and water soluble polymers of at least 5 kD. The subject taxoids find use in the treatment of hosts suffering from a cellular proliferative disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preparing polyhydroxylated polyiodo non-ionic contrast media. Particularly, substituted polyiodobenzamides are prepared, wherein the benzamide nitrogen is polyhydroxylated by allylic substitution on the nitrogen and oxidation of the olefinic group to provide for polyhydroxyl substitution. Amino substituents on the benzamide may be polyhydroxylated by allyl substitution or acryl substitution. All of the olefins may be oxidized simultaneously to glycols to provide for water soluble relatively non-toxic contrast media in efficient economical processes. Alternatively, the same compounds can be synthesized by alkylating N-acylbenzamide with polyacetoxyalkyl or dioxolanylalkyl halides, followed by removal of the protective groups.