A Molecular Engineering Approach to Achieve Wavelength-Selective Photorelease Using a Dynamic Photocage.

We introduce a molecular engineering strategy for wavelength-selective photorelease of alcohols and carboxylic acids, employing a dynamic photocage featuring an ( E )-3-(6-acetyl-2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)acrylate moiety. Initially activated by visible light (λ ≥ 410 nm), it releases alcohol, generating a second photocage. Subsequent exposure to shorter wavelengths (λ ≤ 365 nm) selectively releases carboxylic acid, albeit at a reduced rate.