The present invention provides methods of forming hydrogen sulfide. The methods include contacting a precursor compound with an unmasking agent; wherein the precursor compound comprises a hydrogen sulfide releasing moiety and a masked nucleophile; and wherein the contacting is conducted under conditions sufficient for cyclization of the precursor compound via lactone or lactam formation; thereby releasing hydrogen sulfide from the precursor compound. Hydrogen sulfide precursor compounds according to Formula I are also described, as well as methods for treating diseases and conditions using hydrogen sulfide precursors. ##STR00001##

The present invention provides methods of forming hydrogen sulfide. The methods include contacting a precursor compound with an unmasking agent; wherein the precursor compound comprises a hydrogen sulfide releasing moiety and a masked nucleophile; and wherein the contacting is conducted under conditions sufficient for cyclization of the precursor compound via lactone or lactam formation; thereby releasing hydrogen sulfide from the precursor compound. Hydrogen sulfide precursor compounds according to Formula I are also described, as well as methods for treating diseases and conditions using hydrogen sulfide precursors. ##STR00001##

The present invention provides methods of forming hydrogen sulfide. The methods include contacting a precursor compound with an unmasking agent; wherein the precursor compound comprises a hydrogen sulfide releasing moiety and a masked nucleophile; and wherein the contacting is conducted under conditions sufficient for cyclization of the precursor compound via lactone or lactam formation; thereby releasing hydrogen sulfide from the precursor compound. Hydrogen sulfide precursor compounds according to Formula I are also described, as well as methods for treating diseases and conditions using hydrogen sulfide precursors.

##STR00001##

The present invention provides methods of forming hydrogen sulfide. The methods include contacting a precursor compound with an unmasking agent; wherein the precursor compound comprises a hydrogen sulfide releasing moiety and a masked nucleophile; and wherein the contacting is conducted under conditions sufficient for cyclization of the precursor compound via lactone or lactam formation; thereby releasing hydrogen sulfide from the precursor compound. Hydrogen sulfide precursor compounds according to Formula I are also described, as well as methods for treating diseases and conditions using hydrogen sulfide precursors.

##STR00001##