The structural properties and binding motif of a strongly σ‐electron‐donating N‐heterocyclic carbene have been investigated on different transition‐metal surfaces. The examined cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) was found to be mobile on surfaces, and molecular islands with short‐range order could be found at high coverage. A combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations highlights how CAACs bind to the surface, which is of tremendous importance to gain an understanding of heterogeneous catalysts bearing CAACs as ligands.
Self‐assembly of cyclohexyl cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (cyCAAC) can be realized and reversibly switched from a close‐packed trimer phase to a chainlike dimer phase, enabled by the ring‐flip of the cyclohexyl wingtip. Multiple methods including scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations identified a distinct isomer (axial or equatorial chair conformer) in each phase, and consequently support the conclusion regarding the determination of molecular surface geometry on the self‐assembly of cyCAAC. Moreover, various substrates such as Ag (111) and Cu (111) are tested to elucidate the importance of cyCAAC‐surface interactions on cyCAAC based nanopatterns. These investigations of patterned surfaces prompted a deep understanding of cyCAAC binding mode, surface geometry and reversible self‐assembly, which are of paramount significance in the areas of catalysis, biosensor design and surface functionalization.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.