5-Ph-IAA -AM is an eggshell-permeable 5-Ph-IAA analog which contains an acetoxymethyl (AM) group. 5-Ph-IAA -AM affords an enhanced protein degradation in laid embryos. 5-Ph-IAA -AM can be used to disclosure the roles of proteins in C. elegans , in particular those that are involved in embryogenesis and development, through temporally controlled protein degradation.