Simultaneous Ring-Opening and Dehydrogenation of Diarylethene Induced by Tunneling Electrons.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the reversible transformation between two isomeric states of organic molecules under external stimulation is essential for advancing single-molecule device development. Photochromic diarylethene (DAE) derivatives are promising candidates for single molecular switching elements. This study investigates the single-molecule reactions of the closed-form isomer of a DAE derivative on Cu(111) using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). A novel ring-opening pathway, distinct from the well-known photochromic isomerization, was discovered. Electron injection into the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals induces the sequential anchoring of molecules to the substrate through the dehydrogenation of a methyl group at the 2-position of the thiophene ring. This mechanism was revealed by dens

SUBMITTER: Sato H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11963978 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature