The synthesis, photochemistry, and biological application of 1-acyl-5-methoxy-8-nitro-1,2-dihydroquinoline (MNDQ-caged carboxylicacid) are described. Optimization experiments were carried out on three acetyl derivatives (3a–c), and the most appropriate analogue for application to the caging of glutamate was determined to be 3c. Thus, a MNDQ-caged glutamate (MNDQ-Glu) was synthesized, and the photochemical