Hydroxamic Acids, Recent Breakthroughs in Stereoselective Synthesis and Biological Evaluations

Hydroxamic acids attracted much attention due to their ability to coordinate a range of transition metal ions. Siderophores can be highlighted due to their role as iron carriers in biological systems. This chelation ability joined to their occurrence in living organisms lead to their possible use as drugs. One of the most important pharmacological properties is their ability to inhibit enzymes, activity that can give them properties such as antiinflammatory and anti-cancer agents. Another important feature resulting from their ability to form stable chelates is their use as ligands in asymmetric synthesis. In this review, we will discuss the most recent published results covering the above mentioned aspects.