The characterization by 1D and/or 2D 'H NMR, 13C NMR, "%n NMR, Mossbauer and mass spectrometry of a series of di-n-butyltin derivatives of 3-, 4, and 5-methyl-, 3-, 4-, and 5-methoxy-, 4and 5-amino-substituted, and 3,5-diiodo-salicyclic acids is described. Their NMR spectra suggest that they are present as dimers in CDCI, solution, like the di-n-butyltin derivative of unsubstituted salicyclic acid. This has been confirmed by the observation of mixed dimers. The insoluble derivatives have been characterizerd by solid state cross polarization/magic angle spinning (CPIMAS) I3C and/or lI9Sn NMR, Mossbauer and mass spectroscopy. These compounds are characterized in uitro by a lower inhibition dose than cis-platin or etoposide against a series of five human cell lines.