6- and 7-substituted coumarin and related 6- and 7-substituted 1H-quinolin-2-one compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods for their pharmaceutical use are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the 7-substituted coumarin and related 7-substituted 1H-quinolin-2-one compounds mimic or exceed the high level of pharmacological activity of discodermolide. In other embodiments, their preparation involves more readily available materials, higher yield processes and/or simpler synthetic sequences. In yet other embodiments, the compounds of the invention represent structurally simpler, therapeutically active analogues of discodermolide than heretofore known and may be useful as microtubule stabilizers and, inter alia, for treating and/or preventing cancer and other diseases, disorders, and/or conditions mediated by the stabilization of microtubules.
