Development of the 8-aza-3-bromo-7-hydroxycoumarin-4-ylmethyl group as a new entry of photolabile protecting groups

A significant substitution effect of the position of the bromo group on the photosensitivity of the 8-azacoumarin chromophore leads to the development of a highly photosensitive 8-aza-3-bromo-7-hydroxycoumarin-4-ylmethyl (aza-3-Bhc) group that shows excellent photolytic efficiency and hydrophilicity with long-wavelength absorption maxima. The newly identified aza-3-Bhc group can be applied to caged glutamates for ester-type and carbamate-type protections of carboxyl and amino functionalities.