Small molecule FKBP inhibitors were prepared with inhibitory activity ranging from micromolar to nanomolar. The design of these inhibitors derives from a structural analysis of the substrates for FKBP and cyclophilin. As a consequence of this analysis two key observations were made, namely: (1) amino ketone moieties are suitable as FKBP recognition elements at the P1-P1' site and (2) the P3'-P4' site will accept a trans-olefin as a suitable mimetic of a peptide moiety. The preparation of these non-peptide inhibitors is readily accomplished by a protocol which includes the synthesis of chiral propargylic amines and their subsequent conversion into vinyl zirconium reagents.