CuproCleav-1, a first generation photocage for Cu+

By utilizing thioether ligands, CuproCleav-1 stabilizes Cu+ complexes in aqueous solution and releases the guest metal ion upon photolysis of the nitrobenzyl group. The photocage has an apparent K-d of 54 pM for Cu+, and metal ion release has been demonstrated using the fluorescent sensor CS1.