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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.
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In Situ Coupling of Single Molecules Driven by Gold‐Catalyzed Electrooxidation
Abstract 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.
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- 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
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