Molecular probes for imaging of myelin

A method of detecting myelin in vivo in an animal, the method comprising:

• (i) administering to the animal a molecular probe including a compound having the general formula:
• wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, NO2, NH2, NHCH3, N(CH3)2, OH, OCH3, COOCH3, SH, SCH3, alkyl derivatives thereof, a halo group, a radiolabel, a chelating group, and a near infrared group, provided that at least one of R1 or R2 is NH2, NHCH3, or N(CH3)2;
• wherein X1 is a double or triple bond;
• each R4-R13 are independently H;
• or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;
• (ii) detecting the molecular probe in the animal using an in vivo imaging modality to determine the myelinated regions in the animal, wherein the compound binds to myelin and the detected molecular probe that is bound to myelin is indicative of myelinated regions of the animal.