Computational Design, Synthesis, and Photochemistry of Cy7‐PPG, an Efficient NIR‐Activated Photolabile Protecting Group for Therapeutic Applications**

The computational design and synthesis of Cy7-PPG, a new oxygen-independent novel near-infrared photolabile protecting group (PPG) is reported. Cy7-PPG is the most redshifted PPG to date (λmax=746 nm), with unmatched near-infrared molecular absorptivity and aqueous solubility, and excellent uncaging efficiency, paving the way for the use of PPGs in the clinic.