Disclosed are selective inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases represented by the following formula (I). wherein X is (CH.sub.2).sub.nO, (CH.sub.2).sub.nS, (CH.sub.2).sub.nNR.sup.1, (CH.sub.2).sub.n(CH.sub.2), or CH.dbd.CH, wherein n=0, 1, or 2; R and R.sup.1 are, independently, a substituted or unsubstitued alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl group, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, or heterocycloalkenyl; and Z is NH or CH.sub.2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also disclosed are methods of making such compounds and methods of using such compounds to inhibit tumor progression and to treat diseases such as arthritis.