This invention relates to novel quinoline-based divalent metal ion chelating ligands of Formula I,
wherein A or B are independently —CR7R8, or —CH(R9)CH(R10). X is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl; —OH, or —NR11R12. R1 to R12 are various substituents selected to optimize the physicochemical and biological properties such as enzyme binding, tissue penetration, lipophilicity, toxicity, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics of compounds of Formula 13. R1 to R12 may include, but are not limited to hydrogen, alkyl, acyl, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, amino, aminoalkyl, alkoxyl, aryloxyl, carboxyl, halogen, alkoxycarbonyl, cyano, and other suitable electron donating or electron withdrawing groups. The compounds of the present invention are useful for inhibiting the activity of viral enzymes responsible for the proliferation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).