Photoinduced Release of DNA-Binding Ligands from the [4+4] Dimers of Benzo[b]quinolizinium and Anthracene Derivatives

It is demonstrated with four representative examples that the dimers of benzo[b]quinolizinium, dibenzo[b,g]quinolizinium and anthracene derivatives may be used as a source to release the DNA-binding monomers upon irradiation in the presence of DNA, as determined by monitoring the reaction with absorption and CD spectroscopy. Specifically, the dimers of the benzo[b]quinolizinium turned out to be suitable for this purpose as the ligand is formed rapidly in the presence of DNA and subsequently intercalates into the nucleic acid. In combination with the promising biological properties and bioanalytical value of benzo[b]quinolizinium derivatives, this approach may be used as a general method to generate these functional dyes with spatio-temporal control.