This invention relates to compounds of formula (I) which are glyoxalase I inhibitors, pharmaceutical salts or compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compositions and compounds to treat various conditions alleviated by the inhibition of glyoxalase 1. Wherein X is N or CH. R
2
is H, CF
3
; or optionally substituted C
5-6
aryl, C
3-7
cycloalkyl, C
5-7
heterocyclyl. R
3
is H; or optionally substituted C
5-6
aryl, C
3-7
cycloalkyl, C
5-7
heterocyclyl. Alternatively R
2
and R
3
together form an optionally substituted C
3-4
alkylene group wherein L
3
and L
4
are single bonds thus forming a C
5-6
ring fused with the aromatic ring to which L
3
and L
4
are attached. L
3
and L
4
are independently selected from a single bond, optionally substituted C
1-4
alkylene, -L
9
YN(OH)C(═O)L
10
- and -L
9
C(═O)N(OH)YL
10
-, wherein L
9
and L
10
are independently selected from optionally substituted C
1-4
alkylene, C
5-6
arylene, C
1-4
alkylene-C
5-6
arylene and a single bond, wherein Y is NH or a single bond.