Prodrug derivatives of acids using alcohols with homotopic hydroxy groups and methods for their preparation and use

A compound having the formula:

• wherein X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, NR1R2, SR1 and OR1;
• R1 and R2 are each independently H, a lower monovalent hydrocarbon group or a lower heterogeneous group;
• Y is a substituted or unsubstituted lower monovalent hydrocarbon group, lower heterogeneous group, aromatic group or heteroaromatic group;
• the solid and dashed lines together indicate a single or double bond;
• and
• Rb is a homotopically-symmetrical alcohol,
• as well as optical isomers, enantiomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, biohydrolyzable amides, esters, and imides thereof and combinations thereof.