Our studies in the area of single electron transfer (SET) photochemistry have led to the discovery of efficient processes, in which regioselective formation of carbon-centered radicals takes place by nucleophile assisted desilylation of $alpha$-trialkylsilyl substituted ether, thioether, amine and amide centered cation radicals. The rates of bimolecular desilylation of the intermediate cation radicals exceed those of other cation radical $alpha$-fragmentation processes (e.g.,-deprotonation). This sereves as the basis for the design of highly regioselective, SET-induced photomacrocyclization reactions of polyether, polythioether, polyamide, and polypeptide linked phthalimides. Photocyclization reactions of trimethylsilyl-terminated substrates in these families are unique in that they produce polyfunctionalized macrocyclic substances in a highly efficient and regioselective manner. In addition, our studies in this area have led to important information about the factors that govern chemical and quantum efficiencies that should be applicable to a wide variety of redox processes promoted by SET from substrates containing more than one electron donor site.