Unique X-ray Sheet Structure of 1,8-Bis(imidazolium) Anthracene and Its Application as a Fluorescent Probe for DNA and DNase

A new imidazolium anthracene derivative 1 was synthesized, and its unique X-ray crystal structure was examined. In aqueous solutions, probe 1 exhibited a selective fluorescent quenching effect only with DNA among various anions including the nucleotides investigated. This probe was further applied to monitor the activity of DNase.