Matrix metalloproteinases are implicated in a wide range of pathophysiological processes and potent selective inhibitors for these enzymes continue to be eagerly sought. 5, 5- Disubstituted barbiturates hold promise as inhibitor types being stable in vivo and relatively selective for the gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). In this paper we describe the synthesis of 5-piperazine and-homopiperazine substituted barbiturates. The activity of these ...