Abstract: The present application is directed towards compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, which are inhibitors of Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) binding or function. The compounds especially may have some selectivity for inhibiting Class IIa versus Class I HDACs. The present application also relates to methods of using the compounds and to uses of the compounds, especially in relation to the prevention of a disease, disorder or condition associated with Class IIa HDAC activity. In one form, the compounds are (ortho-phenyl) phenyl hydroxamates. In another form, the compounds are as provided in Formula (I), wherein R1 is a phenyl or cycloalkenyl which may be optionally substituted.