Inducing the controlled rotation of single o-MeO-DMBI molecules anchored on Au(111)

One-way rotation of a chemically anchored single molecule-rotor

“…In scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments, the rotation of a single molecule triggered by inelastic tunneling effects has been the focus of research for a long time. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The production of minute mechanical work was recently demonstrated, 12 opening new routes for the rational design of unidirectional molecule-rotors. 8,9 However, only a few examples of controlled directional rotation of organic molecules around a vertical axis have been demonstrated yet, 6,[8][9][10] and further experimental and theoretical work is needed to understand the relation between inelastic electronic excitation and motion of a single molecule.…”

“…14,15 In a preliminary experimental STM study, the chemisorption of o-MeO-DMBI-I on Au(111) was qualitatively described by the interaction with gold of the radical form obtained after such iodine dissociation. 11 However, it is known that an alternative intramolecular reaction can occur with the cleavage of the O-Me bond and the elimination of methyl iodide (MeI), resulting in the formation of 2-(1,3-dimethyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-3ium-2-yl)-phenolate (DMBI-P) (see left two panels of Fig. 1).…”

Desymmetrised pentaporphyrinic gears mounted on metallo-organic anchors

“…However, with the advent of scanning probe microscopy, resolution down to the atomic scale has been reached, thus allowing for in-depth investigations into nanoscale mechanics on single molecules adsorbed on surfaces. 13 Even a race of nanocars was proposed 14 and organised in 2017, 15 showing that these nanomachines are now studied at the single-molecule level by many research teams worldwide.…”

STM induced manipulation of azulene-based molecules and nanostructures: the role of the dipole moment

“…[3][4][5] Furthermore, the miniaturization of mechanical components to the atomic limit opens new fundamental scientific questions connected to the way electric energy is converted into movement in molecules. [3][4][5] Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at low temperature is a unique tool to investigate single molecules on surfaces and is applied for triggering on-surface chemical reactions, 6 analysing electronic properties, 7 manipulating atoms and molecules, 8 and driving nanocars. 1,[9][10][11][12] The influence of electric fields in STM manipulation has been well discussed for several decades.…”