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Intramolecular London Dispersion Interactions in Single-Molecule Junctions
Matthew O Hight1, Joshua Y Wong1, Ashley E Pimentel1
1Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|February 7, 2024
Summary
Researchers used intramolecular London dispersion interactions to control molecular geometry in single-molecule junctions. This led to coiled molecular conformations, resulting in highly resistive electronic transport and record conductance decay values.
Area of Science:
- Molecular electronics
- Quantum transport
- Supramolecular chemistry
Background:
- Flexible molecular junctions usually adopt straight geometries due to steric hindrance.
- Controlling molecular geometry is key for designing advanced electronic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the use of intramolecular London dispersion interactions for controlling molecular geometry.
- To investigate the impact of controlled geometry on quantum transport in single-molecule junctions.
- To explore the potential of these interactions in designing single-molecule electronics.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of thiomethyl-terminated oligo(dimethylsilmethylene)s.
- Scanning tunneling microscopy break-junction (STM-BJ) measurements.
- Theoretical calculations of molecular conformations and electronic transport.
Main Results:
- Intramolecular London dispersion interactions induced coiled conformations in the carbosilane backbone.
- These coiled structures remained stable even under mechanical stress.
- Record-high conductance decay values (β = 1.86 ± 0.12 Å⁻¹) were observed due to the high resistance of kinked conformations.
Conclusions:
- Intramolecular London dispersion interactions can effectively control molecular geometry in single-molecule junctions.
- Controlled molecular conformations significantly influence electronic transport properties.
- This approach offers a novel strategy for designing molecular electronics with tailored properties.
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