The synthesis of O-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl)serine has been accomplished by treatment of an FMOC-aziridinecarboxylate with nitroveratryl alcohol followed by hydrolysis. Irradiation with a Pyrex-filtered 450W Hanovia lamp releases serine with a half-life of 4.4 min. o-Nitrobenzyl serinate is prepared by direct esterification. Vycor-filtered irradiation releases serine with a half-life of 6.9 min.