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Abstract

Novel compounds that either preferentially absorb into hyperproliferative tissue and absorb light efficiently at a wavelength of between about 700 and about 850 nm or act as intermediates for such absorbing compounds. More particularly, the compounds of the invention have the formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.5, R.sup.9, and R.sup.10 are independently lower alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms provided that at least three of R.sup.1, R.sup.5, R.sup.9, and R.sup.10 are methyl; R.sup.2 is --OH, --OR.sup.11, --NHR.sup.11, aryl, or -aminoacid; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently --COR.sup.11 or taken together are ##STR2## R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are independently lower alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R.sup.8 is O-alkyl of 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, S-alkyl of 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, --O-aryl, or --O-heterocyclic ring of 5 or 6 carbon atoms; R.sup.11 is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and R.sup.12 is lower alkyl of 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl, or aminoalkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms; provided that at least one of R.sup.8, R.sup.11, and R.sup.12 is hydrophobic and together contain at least 10 carbon atoms. The invention also includes method of making and using the compounds.

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First Claim