Molecular architectures (Kagome networks, coordinated/covalent dimers and branched coordination chains) via self-assembly, Ullmann reaction and pyridine coordination of 4-[(4-bromophenyl)ethynyl]pyridine are found to be sensitive to the underlying metallic surfaces. The molecular species were characterised on the surface by low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy (LT-STM) at sub-molecular level.

Novel, fully and 5/6th partially-fused, hexaazasuperbenzenes are obtained using a variety of oxidative cyclodehydrogenation conditions. Their spectroscopic properties are compared.

The coordination reactions of 5-(2-(4-bromophenyl)­ethynyl)­pyrimidine (PEPmBr) molecules on Ag(111) was studied by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (LT-STM). First, vapor deposition of PEPmBr molecules onto Ag(111) at room temperature leads to the formation of a large-scale pinwheel-like self-assembly structure. Then hierarchical coordination reactions were employed to synthesize organometallic dimers and tetramers on Ag(111) surface. In contrast to the releasing of the coordinated Ag atoms and forming covalent bonds, it is found herein that further thermal activation induces the rotation of the C–Ag–C and N–Ag–N coordination bonds, resulting in various organometallic nanoteris with triangle, rectangle, and zigzag structures.