In recognition of the need to develop novel therapeutic agents and efficient methods for the synthesis thereof, the present invention provides novel compounds of general formula (I), and methods for the synthesis thereof. ##STR00001## In another aspect, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods for treating cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) to a subject in need thereof.