Since its introduction in 1981, the chemistry of self-immolative systems has received increasing attention in different application areas, such as analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. This strategy is based on a stimulation that triggers a cascade of disassembling reactions leading to the release of smaller molecules. The particular reactivity of the nitro group, due to its powerful electron-withdrawing nature, has been exploited in the field of self-immolative chemistry. In this context, the present review describes the major role of the nitro group in self-immolative processes depending on its position.
Keywords: nitro; probe; prodrug; self-immolation.