Identifier des molécules avec des méthodes de physicien

Elusive molecules can be created using atomic manipulation with a combined atomic force/scanning tunneling microscope (AFM/STM).

Molecules that are highly reactive and short-lived under ambient conditions can be stabilized at low temperature and by using inert surfaces. Employing high-resolution AFM with functionalized tips [1] provides insights into the structure, geometry, aromaticity and bond orders of the molecules created and into the reactions performed [2].

We created radicals, diradicals [3], non-Kekulé molecules [4], antiaromatics [5], and polyynes [6] and studied their structural and electronic properties. We recently showed that the reorganization energy of a molecule on an insulator can be determined [7]. In addition, we expanded the toolbox for the synthesis of molecules by atomic manipulation, demonstrating reversible cyclisation reactions [3] (see Figure) and, most recently, skeletal rearrangements [6].

Amphi Concorde
Université Paul Sabatier