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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Synthesis of a Water-soluble Metal–Organic Complex Array
Published on: October 8, 2016
On-Surface Cascade Reaction Based on Successive Debromination via Metal-Organic Coordination Template
Shuaipeng Xing1, Zhe Zhang2, Huifang Liang3
1Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
Abstract:
Precise control over on-surface covalent reaction pathways is crucial for engineering organic nanostructures with the single-atom precision. Herein, we demonstrate a step-by-step control of an on-surface cascade covalent reaction based on a successive debromination templated by noncovalent metal-organic coordination motifs. The molecular precursor is predesigned with different reactive sites and functional ligands, allowing for both chemical and structural tuning during on-surface reactions. Through the Fe-terpyridine template effect, we are able to direct the reaction to proceed in a three-step cascade pathway and finally to achieve a porous polyarylene nanoribbon structure. The approach opens new opportunities for construction of on-surface organic nanostructures in a predictable manner.
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