Previously, we reported a click-chemistry based approach to the synthesis of a novel class of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors [1]. The lead compound NSC746457 was found to be as potent as SAHA (Vorinostat). Further optimization of NSC746457 by using the HDAC2-TSA crystal structure is described herein. Docking of NSC746457 into HDAC2 binding domain suggested that the hydrophobic residue Phe210 flanking the cap-group binding-motif could be exploited for structural optimization. Substitution on the methylene group of cinnamic cap region led to identification of more potent HDAC inhibitors: isopropyl derivative 5 and tert-butyl derivative 6, with an IC(50) value of 22 nM and 18 nM, respectively.