This document has been approved for public release and sale; N00179 its distribution is unlimited.
ABSTRACT (Maximum200 words)We have used self-assembly chemistry to synthesize monolayer assemblies that function as molecular recognition interfaces. In the first part of this paper, we show that onecomponent self-assembled n-alkanethiol monolayers with carboxylic acid functionalized -endgroups specifically adsorb vapor-phase acid-terminated molecules via hydrogen bonding or vapor-phase amine-terminate molecules via proton-transfer interactions. In the second part, we demonstrate that two-component monolayers, which consist of inert n-alkanethiol framework moleculesanddefect-inducing templat• molecules, can discriminate between "--solution-phase probe molecules based on their physical and chemical characteristics. By electrochemically etching the defects and then imaging the resulting surface by scanning tunneling microscopy the defect sites can be indirectly visualized.
93-2922393 1-. We have used self-assembly chemistry to synthesize monolayer .7 assemblies that function as molecular recognition interfaces. In • Dist first part of this paper, we show that one-component selfassembled n-alkanethiol monolayers with carboxylic acid functionalized endgroups specifically adsorb vapor-phase acid-_.terminated molecules via hydrogen bonding or vapor-phase amineterminate molecules via proton-transfer interactions. In the second part, we demonstrate that two-component monolayers, which consist of inert n-alkanethiol framework molecules and defectinducing template molecules, can discriminate between solutionphase probe molecules based on their physical and chemical characteristics. By electrochemically etching the defects and then imaging the resulting surface by scanning tunneling microscopy the defect sites can be indirectly visualized.Molecular recognition is the selective binding of a probe molecule to a molecular receptor. This binding interaction relies on both non-covalent intermolecular chemical interactions, such as hydrogen bonding or van der Waals forces, and steric compatibility, such as size or shape inclusion. At present, a detailed understanding of molecular recognition phenomena is hindered primarily by two experimental problems. First, in many natural systems the receptor is a large, flexible, and complex molecule with many potential binding sites, and as a result it is difficult to quantify the specific types and magnitudes of interactions that lead to probe binding. Second, there are only a few analytical methods that are sufficiently specific and sensitive that they can be used for studying individual molecular interactions in bound probe/receptor complexes. These and other difficulties associated with natural systems have resulted in the synthesis of simpler model receptors and characterization of their interactions with probe molecules (1-3).Two general strategies have been used for synthesizing and characterizing model receptors and their complexes with probe molecules. The first is based on interactio...