pH-Sensitive metal-free carbon monoxide prodrugs with tunable and predictable release rates

Abstract

Carbon monoxide prodrugs with triggered release profiles are highly desirable for targeted CO delivery to minimize their untoward side-effects. Herein, we describe a series of pH-sensitive metal-free CO prodrugs which are stable under acidic conditions and yet begin to release CO in response to increases in pH with tunable and predictable release rates.