In an embodiment, a novel DNA-interactive compound is formed by coupling an alkali metal ion binding moiety with a DNA interactive moiety. An alkali metal ion binding moiety is any group capable of binding alkali metal ions (e.g., lithium, sodium, potassium, etc.). The DNA-interactive moiety is a group of atoms or functionality capable of covalently modifying DNA, through, for example, alkylation, cleavage, metalation, hydrolysis, or crosslinking.