The invention provides small molecule modulators of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors such as RORα, RORβ, or RORγ, of formula with the variable atoms as defined herein and R1 comprising a hydroxyl- or alkoxyl-substituted fluoroalkyl group. Compounds of the invention can be effective modulators at concentrations ineffective to act on LXR receptors, or on other nuclear receptors, or other biological targets. Methods of modulation the RORs and methods of treating metabolic disorders, immune disorders, cancer, and CNS disorders wherein modulation of an ROR is medically indicated are also provided.