Sulfur dioxide prodrugs: triggered release of SO2via a click reaction.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is being recognized as a possible endogenous gasotransmitter with importance on par with that of NO, CO, and H2S. Herein we describe a series of SO2 prodrugs that are activated for SO2 release via a bioorthogonal click reaction. The release rate can be tuned by adjusting the substituents on the prodrug.