Protecting group release through photoinduced electron transfer: Wavelength control through sensitized irradiation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)00857-0

Phenacyl esters (benzoylmethyl esters, PhCOCH₂-OCOR) release carboxylic acids upon photolysis using photosensitizers that are good one-electron donors in the excited state. Herein it is demonstrated that this procedure can be used to control the wavelength of light required to trigger the release. A variety of sensitizers having different absorption profiles are employed and in each case high isolated yields of carboxylic acids are achieved. It is further demonstrated that this method be extended into the visible (>400 nm) region of the spectrum.