Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes
Published on: April 10, 2015
Unexpected Rotamerism at the Origin of a Chessboard Supramolecular Assembly of Ruthenium Phthalocyanine
Giuseppe Mattioli1, Rosanna Larciprete2, Paola Alippi1
1Istituto di Struttura della Materia del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISM-CNR), Roma, Italy.
Abstract:
We have investigated the formation and the properties of ultrathin films of ruthenium phthalocyanine (RuPc)2 vacuum deposited on graphite by scanning tunneling microscopy and synchrotron photoemission spectroscopy measurements, interpreted in close conjunction with ab initio simulations. Thanks to its unique dimeric structure connected by a direct Ru-Ru bond, (RuPc)2 can be found in two stable rotameric forms separated by a low-energy barrier. Such isomerism leads to a peculiar organization of the molecules in flat, horizontal layers on the graphite surface, characterized by a chessboard-like alternation of the two rotamers. Moreover, the molecules are vertically connected to form π-stacked columnar pillars of akin rotamers, compatible with the high conductivity measured in (RuPc)2 powders. Such features yield an unprecedented supramolecular assembly of phthalocyanine films, which could open interesting perspectives toward the realization of new architectures of organic electronic devices.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Woodward–Hoffmann Selection Rules and Microscopic Reversibility
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Chair Conformation of Cyclohexane
The hydrogen atoms linked to carbons are arranged in two different axial and equatorial orientations to achieve this...
Chirality at Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur
A consequence of chirality is the need for enantiomeric resolution. While this is theoretically possible for all...
[3,3] Sigmatropic Rearrangement of 1,5-Dienes: Cope Rearrangement
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)

