Abstract: Disclosed is a method of delivering therapeutic carbon monoxide to the cells and tissues of a patient which comprises administering thereto a compound of the formula XBY1Y2C(O)V (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In addition, disclosed is a method of delivering a drug to a diseased cell or tissue by administering a compound of formula I either wherein at least one of X is a drug containing an amino group or V is a drug containing an amino group or hydroxyl group less a hydrogen on the amino or hydroxyl group. Further disclosed are novel compounds of Formula I.