A single‐molecule method has been developed based on the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to selectively couple a series of aniline derivatives and create azobenzenes. The Au‐catalyzed oxidative coupling is driven by the local electrochemical potential at the nanostructured Au STM tip. The products are detected in situ by measuring the conductance and molecular junction elongation and compared with analogous measurements of the expected azobenzene derivatives prepared ex situ. This single‐molecule approach is robust, and it can quickly and reproducibly create reactions for a variety of anilines. We further demonstrate the selective synthesis of geometric isomers and the assembly of complex molecular architectures by sequential coupling of complementary anilines, demonstrating unprecedented control over bond formation at the nanoscale.
A single‐molecule method has been developed based on the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to selectively couple a series of aniline derivatives and create azobenzenes. The Au‐catalyzed oxidative coupling is driven by the local electrochemical potential at the nanostructured Au STM tip. The products are detected in situ by measuring the conductance and molecular junction elongation and compared with analogous measurements of the expected azobenzene derivatives prepared ex situ. This single‐molecule approach is robust, and it can quickly and reproducibly create reactions for a variety of anilines. We further demonstrate the selective synthesis of geometric isomers and the assembly of complex molecular architectures by sequential coupling of complementary anilines, demonstrating unprecedented control over bond formation at the nanoscale.
more » « less- Award ID(s):
- 1807580
- PAR ID:
- 10114802
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Angewandte Chemie
- Volume:
- 131
- Issue:
- 45
- ISSN:
- 0044-8249
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- p. 16154-16158
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
More Like this
-
more » « less
Abstract -
We demonstrate that imidazole based π–π stacked dimers form strong and efficient conductance pathways in single-molecule junctions using the scanning-tunneling microscope-break junction (STM-BJ) technique and density functional theory-based calculations. We first characterize an imidazole-gold contact by measuring the conductance of imidazolyl-terminated alkanes ( im-N-im , N = 3–6). We show that the conductance of these alkanes decays exponentially with increasing length, indicating that the mechanism for electron transport is through tunneling or super-exchange. We also reveal that π–π stacked dimers can be formed between imidazoles and have better coupling than through-bond tunneling. These experimental results are rationalized by calculations of molecular junction transmission using non-equilibrium Green's function formalism. This study verifies the capability of imidazole as a Au-binding ligand to form stable single- and π-stacked molecule junctions at room temperature.more » « less
-
more » « less
Abstract Creating single‐molecule junctions with a long‐lived lifetime at room temperature is an open challenge. Finding simple and efficient approaches to increase the durability of single‐molecule junction is also of practical value in molecular electronics. Here it is shown that a flexible gold‐coated nanopipette electrode can be utilized in scanning tunneling microscope (STM) break‐junction measurements to efficiently enhance the stability of molecular junctions by comparing with the measurements using conventional solid gold probes. The stabilizing effect of the flexible electrode displays anchor group dependence, which increases with the binding energy between the anchor group and gold. An empirical model is proposed and shows that the flexible electrode could promote stable binding geometries at the gold‐molecule interface and slow down the junction breakage caused by the external perturbations, thereby extending the junction lifetime. Finally, it is demonstrated for the first time that the internal conduit of the flexible STM tip can be utilized for the controlled molecule delivery and molecular junction formation.
-
more » « less
Abstract Silyloxyarenes were utilized as electrophilic coupling partners with amines in the synthesis of aniline derivatives. A diverse range of amine substrates were used, including cyclic or acyclic secondary amines, secondary anilines, and sterically hindered primary anilines. Additionally, a range of sterically hindered and unhindered primary aliphatic amines were employed, which have previously been challenging with other classes of aryl ether electrophiles. Orthogonal couplings of silyloxyarenes with aryl methyl ethers are illustrated, where selectivity between the two C−O electrophiles is determined by ligand control, thereby allowing complementary and selective late‐stage diversification of either electrophile. Finally, a sequential coupling displays the utility of this amination method along with the reversal in intrinsic reactivity between aryl methyl ethers and silyloxyarenes.
-
more » « less
Abstract Silyloxyarenes were utilized as electrophilic coupling partners with amines in the synthesis of aniline derivatives. A diverse range of amine substrates were used, including cyclic or acyclic secondary amines, secondary anilines, and sterically hindered primary anilines. Additionally, a range of sterically hindered and unhindered primary aliphatic amines were employed, which have previously been challenging with other classes of aryl ether electrophiles. Orthogonal couplings of silyloxyarenes with aryl methyl ethers are illustrated, where selectivity between the two C−O electrophiles is determined by ligand control, thereby allowing complementary and selective late‐stage diversification of either electrophile. Finally, a sequential coupling displays the utility of this amination method along with the reversal in intrinsic reactivity between aryl methyl ethers and silyloxyarenes.
