Direct synthesis of a metalloporphyrin complex on a surface

We demonstrate that well-defined monolayers of a metal complex on a surface can be prepared by direct vapor deposition of the metal atoms on monolayers of the ligand. In particular, ordered monolayers of adsorbed tetraphenylporphyrin (2H-TPP) on a silver surface were exposed to cobalt vapors, resulting in the complexation of the metal by the porphyrin. The formation of the metal complexes was monitored by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which reveals that this metalation reaction leads to a chemical equivalence of all four nitrogen atoms. The described in situ metalation provides a convenient way to produce adsorbed monolayers of more reactive (e.g., air- or solvent-sensitive) or thermally unstable metalloporphyrins that are difficult to evaporate or even to obtain as pure compounds at room temperature.