The importance of taxol as an anticancer drug lies not only in its activity in antitumor assays but also in its unique mechanism of action. Unfortunately, taxol is not water-soluble and therefore must be given in conjunction with emulsifying agents. Modifications of taxol were carried out in order to prepare water-soluble taxol derivatives. The C-2’ hydroxyl group of taxol was substituted with various groups to increase water solubility. The synthesized taxol derivatives, 2’-((3-sulfo-1-oxopropyl)oxy)taxol sodium salt, 2’-((4-((2-sulfoethyl)amino)-1,4-dioxobutyl)oxy)taxol sodium salt, and 2’-((4-((3-sulfopropyl)amino)-1,4-dioxobutyl)oxy)taxol sodium salt were more water-soluble than taxol. The synthetic pathways to these compounds are compared and discussed. / Master of Science