The present invention relates to small molecules that inhibit Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha (TNF-a), for example, by interaction with TNF-a protein or its receptor, thereby lowering the overall TNF-a activity, and that are represented by formula (1) or a stereoisomer thereof, tautomer thereof, or mixture thereof in any ratio; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutically acceptable solvate, or pharmaceutically acceptable polymorph thereof; wherein: A1, A2, X1, X2, n, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the specification. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of these small molecules and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The present invention further relates to a method of treatment of disorders characterized by increased TNF- a activity, such as inflammation.