A family of imidazole compounds useful for inhibiting the activity of prenyl transferases. The compounds are covered by the following formula:
wherein X is (CHR
11
)
n3
(CH
2
)
n4
Z(CH
2
)
n5
where Z is O, N(R
12
), S, or a bond; Y is CO, CH
2
, CS, or a bond; R
1
is
or N(R
24
R
25
); and the remaining substituents are as defined in the disclosure.