Abstract: A compound is provided having the chemical structure: where R1 is H, CH3, a tert-butyl group, C(?O)-Glu, C(?O)-Asp, C(?O)-Gln, C(?O)-Asn, or R5 is C(?O)-Glu, C(?O)-Asp, C(?O)-Gln, or C(?O)-Asn; R2 comprises an organic chain that is 1 to 5 atoms in length; R3 is a tetrahedral moiety having a central atom and three terminal atoms, wherein the central atom is P, S, V, W, Se, or Te and wherein the terminal atoms are O and/or F; R4 is CH, N, or S; R5 is H, CH3; CH2C6H6, CH2CH2C6H6, OCH2C6H6, C(?O)-Phe, CH2C(?O)-Phe, C(?O)-Tyr, CH2C(?O)-Tyr, or a tert-butyl group; and R6 is H, OH, CH3, CH2OH, or a tert-butyl group.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating prostate cancer in males by administration of tartrate ions from a tartrate derivative. The tartrate ions in the bloodstream bind to and inhibit prostatic acid phosphatase.