Abstract: This application relates to para-quinol derivatives, such as analogues of manumycins, aranorosins and gymnastatins. This application also relates to methods of synthesizing and using the para-quinol derivatives. In one embodiment of the invention a compound having the chemical structure (I) is provided wherein X1 and X2 are carbon atoms either joined by double bond or joined by a single bond and comprising constituents of an epoxide ring or a hydroxyethylene moiety; X3 and X4 are carbon atoms either joined by double bond or joined by a single bond and comprising constituents of an epoxide ring; R1 is selected from the group consisting of branched alkyl chains, unbranched alkyl chains, cycloalkyl groups, aromatic groups, alcohols, ethers, amines, and substituted or unsubstituted ureas, esters, aldehydes and carboxylic acids; and R2 is selected from the group consisting of H, OH and NHR3 wherein R3 is a nitrogen protecting group.