Molecular mechanism of uncaging CO_2 from nitrophenylacetate provides general guidelines for improved ortho-nitrobenzyl cages

摘要

Femtosecond spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations provide detailed insights into the specificities of the uncaging mechanism of CO_2 from ortho-, meta-, and para-nitrophenylacetate (see figure). The emerging general principles allow a rational design of improved ortho-nitrophenyl cages for chemical and biological applications.