A compound having the formula (I): ##STR1##

wherein:

• each R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from (C₁-C₁₀)-straight or branched alkyl, Ar-substituted- (C₁-C₁₀)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or Ar-substituted-(C₂-C₁₀)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl; wherein
  • one to two CH₂ groups of said alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl chains in each of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are optionally and independently replaced with O, S, S(O), S(O), S(O)₂, C(O) or N(R⁵) in a chemically stable arrangement, wherein the CH₂ group of R¹ and R² bound directly to said nitrogen cannot be replaced with C(O); or
• R¹ and R² taken together form a 4 to 7 membered ring; or
• R³ and R⁴ taken together form a 3 to 7 membered ring; wherein a CH₂ in either the R¹ and R² ring system or the R³ and R⁴ ring system is independently and optionally replaced with O, C(O), N(R⁵), S, S(O), S(O)2 in a chemically stable arrangement; or

  wherein either or both of the R¹ and R² ring system and the R³ and R⁴ ring system is optionally fused with Ar.

These compounds are useful for treating or preventing neuronal damage, particularly damage associated with neurological diseases. These compounds are also useful for stimulating nerve growth. The invention also provides compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of utilizing those compositions for treating or preventing neuronal damage or for stimulating nerve growth.