In order to isolate the auxin receptor, we have successfully synthesiz
ed two analogues of benzoxazolinones with a trifluoromethyldiazirine g
roup as a photoaffinity probe. These compounds inhibited the auxin-ind
uced growth of etiolated Avena coleoptile segments. Photolyses of thes
e compounds in methanol gave intermolecular O-H insertion products in
moderate yields, respectively. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.