The invention is directed to compounds according to formula (I): where R1 is L1C(O)OT or L1C(O)OL2C(O)OT; R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, or C2-C10 alkynyl, or R1; n is an integer from 0 to 5; each R3 is independently halogen or R2; R4 and R5 are independently H, halogen, CN or CF3; L1 and L2 are each independently a bond, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkylene, C2-C10 alkenylene, or C2-C10 alkynylene; and T is H, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, or C2-C10 alkynyl, nitrophenol, or cyclopropyl. The invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and to methods for providing anesthesia in mammals by administering such a pharmaceutical composition.