Small-molecule scaffolds based on 1,2-diphenylacetylene that accurately replicate the spatial and angular projections of several side chains on both faces of an α-helix, specifically the i and i+7 side chains on one face, and the i and i+2 side chains on the other. The amphipathic α-helix mimetic can be used to disrupt disease-promoting protein-protein interactions that are mediated by α-helices.