Compounds of formula (1) are described in which R.sup.a and R.sup.b is each independently a hydrogen atom or a group R.sup.c, or R.sup.a and R.sup.b together form an oxo (.dbd.O) or thio (.dbd.S) group; X is a N atom or an optionally substituted CH group: Y is a --O-- or --S-- atom or --SO-- or --SO.sub.2-- group or an optionally substituted --CH.sub.2-- or --NH-- group with the proviso that when R.sup.a and R.sup.b together form an oxo (.dbd.O) or thio (.dbd.S) group Y is an optionally substituted --CH.sub.2-- or --NH-group; L.sup.1 is a covalent bond or a linker atom or group; p is zero or the integer 1; Alk.sup.1 is an optionally substituted C.sub.1-10aliphatic or C.sub.1-10heteroaliphatic chain; n is zero the integer 1, 2 or 3 with the proviso that when n is zero Y is an optionally substituted --CH.sub.2-- group; Ar is an optionally substituted C.sub.6-12aromatic or C.sub.1-9heteroaromatic group; m is zero or the integer 1, 2 or 3; q is zero or the integer 1 or 2; R.sup.1, R.sup.c and R.sup.d are hydrogen atoms or the substituents described in the patent specification; and the salts, solvates, hydrates and N-oxides thereof. The compounds are potent and selective inhibitors of p38 kinase and are useful in the treatment of immune or inflammatory disorders.