On-surface reactions and single-molecule charge transitions controlled by atom manipulation

Molecules can be created using atom manipulation. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) with functionalized tips achieves atomic and bond-resolved resolution providing insights into the structure, aromaticity, charge states and bond-order relations of the molecules created and into the reactions performed [1]. Recently, we generated the elusive carbon allotrope cyclo[18]carbon and resolved its debated structure [2].

On insulating substrates, we can control the charge states of molecules. With ultra-high-resolution imaging we resolve how the oxidation state of molecules affects their structure and aromaticity [3].

Figure: Cyclo[18]carbon created by atom manipulation on bilayer NaCl on Cu(111). Bottom row: constant-height AFM measurements with a CO functionalized tip [2].

References [1] L. Gross et al. Angew. Chem Int. Ed. 57, 3888 (2018) [2] K. Kaiser et al. Science 365, 1299 (2019) [3] S. Fatayer et al. Science 365, 142 (2019)