Fluorescein analogues as photoremovable protecting groups absorbing at ∼520 nm

A new photoremovable protecting group, (6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl)methyl (1), with a molar absorption coefficient ε of ∼4 × 10(4) m(-1) cm(-1) at ∼520 nm for the release of carboxylates or phosphates is reported. Three derivatives of 1 (diethyl phosphate, acetate, and bromide) were isolated as complexes with DDQ and shown to release the ligands with quantum yields ≤2.4% in aqueous solution.