A molecule for labeling a target material is provided including two transition-metal
chelates and a detectable group. The molecule has the general structural formula
(I):
##STR1##
wherein: (a) Y and Y are each a transition metal, (b) R1 and
R1 are each independently CH(COO-;), CH(COOH), or
absent; (c) R2 and R2 are linkers each having a length
of from about 3.0 to about 20 ; and (d) X is a detectable group. The linkers
may be linear or branched, may contain aromatic moieties, and may optionally be
further substituted. Methods of using the molecules of the invention as probes
in detecting and analyzing target materials as well as kits including the molecule
of the invention are also provided.
