Photochemically activated carbon monoxide release for biological targets. Toward developing air-stable photoCORMs labilized by visible light

The potential therapeutic effects of carbon monoxide in several disease states, and new methodologies for CO delivery to specific targets is a topic of growing interest in mammalian physiology. Here we provide an overview of recent efforts in this laboratory regarding several types of carbonyl complexes of the group 6 metal and of those in other laboratories that are focused on developing photochemical techniques for such CO delivery. Photo-activated carbon monoxide releasing moieties (photoCORMs) based on manganese, iron and group 6 metals are described.

► We describe desired properties for photochemical CO delivery to biological targets.
► We also describe analytical challenges encountered in developing photoCORMs.
► We outline previous investigations of photoCORMs published by us and others.
► We present a new class of photoCORMs where CO is labilized by visible light.