Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that exhibit inhibitory activity against matrix metalloproteases ("MMPs"). Because MMPs are known to play a role in tissue degradation, the compounds of the present invention may be useful in preventing or treating diseases associated with excess MMP activity. In particular, the compounds have a structure according to Formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are various substituents as described in the specification; and Q is an alkyl chain, an alkenyl chain, a heteroalkyl chain, or a heteroalkenyl chain, wherein said chain has 2, 3, or 4 chain atoms and is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more alkyl moieties; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, or biohydrolyzable alkoxyamide, acyloxyamide, or imide thereof. Preferred are those compounds where Q is an alkyl chain having 2, 3 or 4 chain atoms.