The adsorption, isomerization, and decomposition of HCN on Si(100)-2 × 1 surface have been investigated
by means of a density functional theory calculation using a double-dimer cluster model. The results revealed
that both HCN and its HNC isomer can be readily adsorbed on a Si−Si dimer either dissociatively or
molecularly in an end-on and a side-on configuration. Side-on adsorption occurs by the cycloaddition of the
C⋮N group on to the Si−Si dimer, whereas dissociative adsorption gives rise to H(a) and CN(a) adspecies
initially via the end-on configuration on the same dimer or across the two dimers. Adsorbate−adsorbate
interactions and reactions have also been studied with two HCN molecules. For the end-on adsorption, the
first HCN(a) exerts a significant effect on the adsorption geometry of the second HCN. In particular, a synergetic
effect has been observed for the parallel adsorption of two HCNs with their CN groups bridging across the
two dimers. For the side-on adsorption, the adsorbate−adsorbate interaction is negligible with minor effects
on the adsorption geometry. H-migration between the two neighboring, side-on HCN admolecules can occur
readily, leading to the formation of HCNH(a) and NC(a) surface species. The calculated vibrational frequencies
of the HCNH(a) and NC(a) adspecies are in good agreement with the experimental HREELS data of the
HCN/Si(100) system.