Compounds and methods for treating cancer or inducing apoptosis in proliferating cells. The compounds are shown in formula I:wherein X is selected from hydroxyl, thiol, and amino Y is selected from carboxyl and sulfonyl R1, R2, R3, and R4 are selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, and combinations thereof R5, R6, and R7 are selected from hydrogen, halo, nitro, amino, methoxy, and combinations thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
