When Organic Chemistry Meets Surface Science: From Nanographene Characterization to Single-Molecule Reactions
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 6, 2026

Microscopic Visualization of Porous Nanographenes Synthesized through a Combination of Solution and On-Surface Chemistry
Published on: March 4, 2021
Diego Peña1,2, Iago Pozo1, Dolores Pérez1
1Centro de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS) and Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela15782, Spain.
Abstract:
The interplay between organic chemistry and surface science allows for atomically precise characterization, synthesis, and manipulation of carbon-based nanostructures. Advances in scanning probe microscopy and on-surface synthesis have unlocked new routes to obtaining fascinating nanographenes, exotic and highly reactive molecules, and controlled single-molecule reactions. Importantly, these developments open access to transformations that are inaccessible to solution-phase chemistry. Here, we illustrate the potential of this approach and outline the future opportunities and challenges.
More Related Videos
10:59Tracking Electrochemistry on Single Nanoparticles with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy and Microscopy
Published on: May 12, 2023
07:53Analysis of Complex Molecules and Their Reactions on Surfaces by Means of Cluster-Induced Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 1, 2020
Related Concept Videos
SN2 Reaction: Kinetics
In a chemical reaction, a relationship exists between the concentration of reactants and the rate at which the reaction proceeds. The study to measure this relationship is known as the kinetics of a chemical reaction. Kinetic studies are used to deduce the rate law of a chemical reaction, which provides information about the species involved during the transition state of the rate-determining step. Thus, kinetic studies help to derive the mechanism of a reaction.
SN2 Reaction: Mechanism
The presence of the more electronegative halogen in the substrate creates a polarized carbon-halide bond. The halide pulls the electron cloud generating an electrophilic center at the carbon atom. Thus, the carbon atom carries a partial positive charge while the halide has a...
E1 Reaction: Kinetics and Mechanism
E2 Reaction: Kinetics and Mechanism
What is Organic Chemistry?
E1 Reaction: Stereochemistry and Regiochemistry