A comparative study on the deposition of Mn12 single molecule magnets on the Au(111) surface

Different approaches to the deposition of Mn(12) single molecule magnets on the Au(111) surface and their characterization by a broad variety of techniques are investigated with respect to their suitability for a profound corroboration of the integrity of the Mn(12) core. In this context, the most recent improvements in the experimental approaches are presented and the latest results on the electronic properties of Mn(12) are linked to each other. The results confirm the high instability of Mn(12) single molecule magnets on surfaces and reveal the need for an amendment of the requirements to define the structural integrity of Mn(12) molecules on surfaces.