Pivaloyloxymethyl (abbreviated POM) is a functional group (CH3)3C-CO-O-CH2 in organic chemistry. POM groups can be attached to a negatively charged phosphorus group(s) of a drug causing a neutralization of the negative charge, which can allow the drug to become more lipid soluble and thus potentially more able to diffuse passively into cells. Upon entry into cells, the POM portion of the molecule can be removed by cellular processes resulting in release of active drug.
The structure of pivaloyloxymethyl {(CH3)3C-CO-O-CH2} is illustrated as pivaloyloxymethyl in brackets bonded to a phosphonate group.
