Dissymmetric On-Surface Dehalogenation Reaction Steered by Preformed Self-Assembled Structure

Ullmann coupling of 4,4″-dibromo-p-terphenyl (DBTP) thermally catalyzed on a Ag(111) surface was studied by scanning tunneling microscopy. Detailed experimental measurement shows that the Ullmann coupling reaction pathways of DBTP molecules can be controlled by pre-self-assembly, and the dissymmetric dehalogenation reaction is realized. Moreover, self-assembly of the reactants in a rectangular network undergoes a dissymmetric debromination transfer to a newly observed rhombic network formed by organometallic dimers prior to the formation of longer symmetric organometallic intermediates on a Ag(111) surface, while the ladder assembled phase is more likely to induce the symmetric debromination reaction and converts into the symmetric organometallic intermediate. These findings help us to understand the essentials of the dissymmetric dehalogenation reaction that originated from a symmetric compound and pave new avenues for advancing the emerging field of on-surface synthesis.