The invention relates to compounds of formula: ##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of fatty acid acyl groups of 12 to 30 carbon atoms and fatty alcohol groups of 12 to 30 carbon atoms, and wherein R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of H, fatty acid acyl of 12 to 30 carbon atoms and fatty alcohol groups of 12 to 30 carbon atoms, the same as or different from R.sup.1, and the residue of a nutrient, drug, or other bioactive compound, and to the use of these compounds to deliver drugs and other bioactive compounds.