Supramolecular photochemistry of encapsulated caged ortho-nitrobenzyl triggers

Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2019 Oct 9;18(10):2411-2420. doi: 10.1039/c9pp00260j.

Abstract

ortho-Nitrobenzyl (oNB) triggers have been extensively used to release various molecules of interest. However, the toxicity and reactivity of the spent chromophore, o-nitrosobenzaldehyde, remains an unaddressed difficulty. In this study we have applied the well-established supramolecular photochemical concepts to retain the spent trigger o-nitrosobenzaldehyde within the organic capsule after release of water-soluble acids and alcohols. The sequestering power of organic capsules for spent chromophores during photorelease from ortho-nitrobenzyl esters, ethers and alcohols is demonstrated with several examples.