Hydroxamic and Poly(hydroxamic acids): A State-of-the-Art Review of Their Multifaceted Applications

Hydroxamic acids (HAs) and poly(hydroxamic acids) (PHAs) are versatile organic compounds with broad applications in science and industry. This review explores their molecular structure, synthesis methods, and functional properties, emphasizing their roles in medicinal chemistry, materials science, and industrial processes. In medicine, HAs exhibit significant anticancer, antimicrobial, and enzyme-inhibiting activities. Their unique chelating properties enable strong interactions with metal ions, thus contributing to their effectiveness in corrosion inhibition, wastewater treatment, and ore flotation. The synthesis of HAs from diverse precursors, including esters, carboxylic acids, amides, and aldehydes, is also discussed. Additionally, PHAs demonstrate excellent performance as adsorbents for metal ions, further enhancing their utility in environmental applications. This review integrates current knowledge, highlights recent advancements, and underscores the potential of HAs and PHAs for future innovations across multiple fields.