The influence of ortho-methyl substitution in organometallic self-assembly – a comparative study on Cu(111) vs. Ag(111)

Abstract

Metal surface-induced dehalogenation of precursors is known to initiate self-assembly of organometallic networks, where tectons are connected via carbon–metal–carbon (C–M–C) bonds. Even though reversibility of the C–M–C bonds facilitates structural equilibration, defects associated with highly bent organometallic linkages are still commonly observed. By introducing a steric hindrance to reduce the C–M–C bond angle flexibility, we find well ordered organometallic networks of an ortho-methyl substituted 1,3,5-tris(p-bromophenyl)benzene analogue on Cu(111) after room-temperature (RT) deposition and on Ag(111) after annealing.