Azulenic retinoid compounds, compositions and methods

An azulenic retinoid compound having anti-neoplasm, and/or anti-dermatopathic activity in mammals, which comprises a compound in accordance with the formula:

• ##STR38## Wherein n is an integer from 1 to 4;
• each X.sub.n or X.sub.n ' group can independently be taken to be H, alkyl, F, Cl or CF.sub.3 ;
• Az is an azulenic substituent group of the following general formula:
• ##STR39## wherein the azulenic group is attached via any of carbons 1 to 8 to the unsaturated retinoid backbone, and
• the azulene group can be further modified by additional alkyl substituents at any one or more of the remaining carbons;
• the Y group is C.sub.1-10 straight or branched chain alkyl or an aromatic functional group of the following formula:
• ##STR40## wherein the Y group is bonded to the unsaturated retinoid backbone at either the para- (p), meta- (m), or ortho- (o)-position of the benzene ring, or is des-Y;
• and
• the Z group is any polar end group;
• with the provisos that:
• when the Az group is azulene attached to the unsaturated retinoid backbone via the 1' carbon or guaiazulene attached to the unsaturated retinoid backbone via the 3' carbon, and n=1 or 2, then at least one of the following limitations apply:
• at least one X.sub.n or X.sub.n ' group is not H;
• Y is not des-Y;
• or
• z is not CHO;
• when the Az group is azulene attached to the unsaturated retinoid backbone via the 2' carbon, then at least one of the following limitations apply:
• when n=1, then either X.sub.1 is not CH.sub.3 or Y is not des-Y, or Z is not CHO;
• or
• when n=3, then either X.sub.3 is not CH.sub.3 or Y is not des-Y, or Z is not CHO or COOCH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 OH.