Organic radicals are fascinating materials because of their unique properties, which make them suitable for a variety of applications. Their synthesis may be challenging, and big efforts have focused on chemical stability. However, introducing a new material in electronics not only requires chemically stable molecules but also stable monolayers and thin films in view of their use in devices. In this work, we have investigated the thin films of a derivative of the Blatter radical that was synthesized bearing in mind the thermodynamic factors that govern thin film stability. We have proved our concept by investigating the electronic structure, the paramagnetic character, and stability of the obtained films under UHV and ambient conditions by in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ex situ atomic force microscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

By using a multidisciplinary and multitechnique approach, we have addressed the issue of attaching a molecular quantum bit to a real surface. First, we demonstrate that an organic derivative of the pyrene−Blatter radical is a potential molecular quantum bit. Our study of the interface of the pyrene−Blatter radical with a copper-based surface reveals that the spin of the interface layer is not canceled by the interaction with the surface and that the Blatter radical is resistant in presence of molecular water. Although the measured pyrene−Blatter derivative quantum coherence time is not the highest value known, this molecule is known as a "super stable" radical. Conversely, other potential qubits show poor thin film stability upon air exposure. Therefore, we discuss strategies to make molecular systems candidates as qubits competitive, bridging the gap between potential and real applications.

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