The disclosure relates to compounds of Formula I wherein R, R&rsquo, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined within the specification. The disclosure also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising these stilbenoid compounds and their use in treating squamous carcinoma and hepatoma. The disclosure also relates to a method of synthesis of these compounds. Examples of the compounds include: 4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)phenyl-3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpropanoate 3,4&rsquo-[2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoxy]-resveratrol 3,5-[2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoxy]-resveratrol 3,5-acetyl-4&rsquo-[2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoxy]-resveratrol 5-acetyl-3-methyl-4&rsquo-[2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoxy]-resveratrol 3,5-[2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoxy]-4&rsquo-methyl-resveratrol Pterostilbene D-ribonic acid diacetonide
