Compounds and methods that release 1-methylcyclopropene, 1-trifluoromethylcyclopropene, and other substituted cyclopropenes are disclosed. The compounds and methods overcome present limitations for storage, transportation, and application of the cyclopropene containing compounds by using light, including sunlight, and/or heat as the primary release trigger. Additional products released include innocuous gases and value added aryl-group compounds.