The present invention relates to hydroxamate compounds which are inhibitors of histone deacetylase. More particularly, the present invention relates to biaryl containing compounds and methods for their preparation. These compounds may be useful as medicaments for the treatment of proliferative disorders as well as other diseases involving, relating to or associated with enzymes having histone deacetylase activities. Formula (I), where Z is a single bond or C.sub.1-C.sub.4 hydrocarbon, A is an aromatic ring, B is an aromatic ring.