Abstract: A route has been developed to high-purity precursors, viz, ALA esters, to be used in photodiagnosis and photodynarnic therapy. Hexyl, butyl and methyl 5 aminolevulinates are similar to the ALA acid in chemical stability and efficacy in producing the appropriate photoscnsitizcr PpIX. Tests carried out on animal models showed the method based on the esters to be the more selective. Keywords: levulinic acid, bromination, methyl 5— ...