The racemic α-trifluoromethyl-α-amino-β-sulfone hydroxamates were synthesized by means of a nucleophilic addition of sulfur-stabilized carbanions to a N-Cbz imine of trifluoropyruvate (). The free amino derivative was the most potent inhibitor of both MMP-3 (stromelysin-1) and MMP-9 (gelatinase-B), showing an IC50= 14nM and 1nM, respectively, and excellent selectivity versus MMP-1 (> 5000-fold difference in inhibitory capacity). The N-Me ...