Bhc-diol as a photolabile protecting group for aldehydes and ketones.

[reaction: see text] 6-Bromo-4-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin (Bhc-diol) can be used under simulated physiological conditions as a photoremovable protecting group for aldehydes and ketones. The single- and two-photon-induced release of benzaldehyde, piperonal, acetophenone, and cyclohexanone is demonstrated.