Thymoquinone derivatives for treatment of cancer

A method of manufacturing a compound of formula (I):

• wherein
• R1 and R2 are selected from methyl and isopropyl, wherein R1 and R2 are different;
• X is NR3R4, wherein:
• R3 is selected from H or —(CH2)2—OH;
• and
• R4 is selected from H or —(C1-C4alkyl)R5, wherein:
• R5 is selected from:
• a) —OH,
• b) phenyl substituted by 1-3 substituents independently selected from —CF3, —F, —OCH3, —NH2 and —SO2NH2,
• c) a 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring having 1 or 2 hetero atoms selected from 0 and N, and wherein the heterocyclic ring is optionally substituted by 1-2 substituents independently selected from —OH and CH3,
• d) a ring system having the formula of:
• and
• e) NR6R7, wherein:
• R6 is selected from H or CH3;
• and
• R7 is selected from CH3, phenyl, and a ring system having the formula of:
• wherein the ring system is optionally substituted by 1-2 substituent of CH3;
• and
• Y is H,
• the method of manufacturing the compound of formula (I) including reacting thymoquinone dissolved, at least partially, in a solvent for thymoquinone, with an amine of formula NH2R3R4 dissolved, at least partially, in a solvent for said amine of formula NH2R3R4, thereby to form a first compound of formula (I);
• and optionally hydrolyzing said first compound of formula (I) to form a second compound of formula (I).