Novel small molecular biaryl compounds as inhibitors of endothelin converting enzyme are described, as well as methods for the preparation and pharmaceutical compositions of the same, which are useful in treating elevated levels of endothelin, acute and chronic renal failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, cerebral vasospasm, cerebral ischemia, cerebral infarction, cirrhosis, septic shock, congestive heart failure, endotoxic shock, subarachnoid hemorrhage, arrhythmias, asthma, preeclampsia, atherosclerotic disorders including Raynaud's disease and restenosis, angina, cancer, pulmonary hypertension, ischemic disease, gastric mucosal damage, hemorrhagic shock, ischemic bowel disease, stroke, benign prosthatic hyperplasia (BPH), and diabetes.