The synthesis and use of a novel class of tumor necrosis factor (TNF.alpha.) inhibitors and immunomodulators are provided. Examples are those having the structures: ##STR00001## wherein a, b and c are integers from 0 to 12, X equals NH or CHNH.sub.2, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each is a hydrogen or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 aliphatic; aliphatic amine; an alicyclic; aromatic; heterocycle; and halogenated forms thereof; and ##STR00002## wherein, a, b and c are integers from 0 to 12; R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 each is a hydrogen or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.20; aliphatic amine; an alicyclic; aromatic; a heterocycle; and halogenated forms thereof.